An
intelligence based midnight operation was conducted on the intervening night of
Dec 31 and yesterdayby the Indian Coast Guard ships and
aircraft to intercept a suspect fishing boat in Arabian Sea near Indo-Pak
maritime boundary, approximately 365 km from Porbander.
As per the intelligence inputs received on 31st
December, a fishing boat from KetiBunder near Karachi was planning some illicit
transaction in Arabian Sea. Based on the input, Coast Guard Dornier aircraft
undertook sea - air coordinated search and located the suspect fishing boat.
Thereafter, the Coast Guard ship on patrol in area was diverted and intercepted
the unlit boat at about midnight of 31st December in position 365 km
West-South West of Porbandar.
The
Coast Guard ship warned the fishing boat to stop for further investigation of
the crew and cargo; however, the boat increased speed and tried to escape away
from the Indian side of maritime boundary. The hot pursuit continued for nearly
one hour and the Coast Guard ship managed to stop the fishing boat after firing
warning shots. Four persons were seen on the boat who disregarded all warnings
by the Coast Guard ship to stop and cooperate with investigation. Soon
thereafter, the crew hid themselves in below deck compartment and set the boat
on fire, which resulted in explosion and major fire on the boat.
Due to darkness, bad weather and strong winds, the
boat and persons on board could not be saved or recovered. The boat burnt and sank
in the same position, in early hours of 1st January. Coast Guard
ships and aircraft are continuing operations in area to search for any possible
survivor. Coast Guard and other security agencies are maintaining high vigil in
maritime and coastal areas since last couple of months due to several inputs on
threat from the sea.
Click here to
see photos:
Sitanshu Kar/