11 Myanmarese held for sailing in Indian waters

Eleven Myanmarese nationals were caught by the Coast Guard in the Andaman and Nicobar islands for sailing illegally in a boat in Indian waters, officials said on Tuesday.

During a routine patrol on the intervening night of July 17-18, Coast Guard ships 'Rajkamal' and 'Bhikaji Cama' found a wooden boat near Narcondum island which tried to flee disregarding attempts of communication.

Officials said the boat was not flying any country's flag and was not having any name or registration number on its hull.

The crew of the ship was also seen throwing some items overboard into the sea, causing more suspicion.

The Coast Guard ships then fired warning shots across the bow of the boat to forcefully stop her at the end of a two-hour-long chase.

Officials said the 11-member crew of the vessel was apprehended as it was found that all of them were Myanmarese and none had a passport.

"The vessel was carrying large quantity of fuel and water and the master nor the crew could give any reason for their presence in the Indian waters. The vessel is 81 feet long and is suspected to be involved in human trafficking as large number of used clothes of men and women have been found onboard," a Coast Guard statement said.

The vessel is now being escorted to Port Blair so that joint investigation may be carried out by all security and intelligence agencies, officials added.