Guj: Cargo vessel which made stop-over in Gwadar intercepted

A cargo vessel has been intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard after learning that it had made a stop-over at Gwadar port and the crew had some interaction with the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), an official said on Thursday.

The vessel 'Noor-E-Panjtani' was intercepted by the Coast Guard near the International Maritime Boundary Line off Dwarka coast late Wednesday night.

It was escorted to Okha port in Devbhoomi-Dwarka district for further investigation, said district Superintendent of Police Rohan Anand.

The vessel is registered in Gujarat, and all the seven crew members belong to Jodia village in adjoining Jamnagar district, the SP said, adding that it had sailed for Gujarat from Dubai a few days ago.

"Two days ago security agencies got alerted as the boat made a stopover at Gwadar port in Pakistan. Inputs also suggested that the crew had some interaction with PMSA officials," he said.

While nothing suspicious was found on the vessel, the crew members were being questioned by the police and other security agencies, the SP added.

The police also learnt from some local people that a boat bearing the same name had capsized near Sharjah seven years back.

"If it is true, then why this boat bears the same name? We have also found fresh coat of paint on some parts of the boat which raises suspicion," Anand said.

"The crew claimed they sought PMSA's help to repair the boat at Gwadar. But we can not rule out the possibility that they might be working at the behest of the Pak agency," the SP added.