The Indian Navy has captured a hijacked Iranian flagged vessel off the Mumbai coast, following intelligence reports that it may carry arms, ammunition and contraband.
The ill-fated vessel Nafis-I was intercepted on Sunday and all persons on board have been detained. Also added that it is not certain of how many of them were pirates and crew members. Two AK-47 rifles and pistol concealed in an empty fuel tank of the ship have been found as per the reports. Following intelligence inputs, the vessel was located by a naval maritime reconnaissance aircraft on August 12 in the high seas after which it was kept under continuous survelliance. The officials said, subsequently, INS Mysore, a guided missile destroyer, was sent to intercept the hijacked vessel along with two helicopters and 24 marine commandos.
The vessel was intercepted approximately 170 nautical miles, off West Mumbai after the Navy launched its operations. The vessel is being towed to Porbandar, where the people on board will be handed over to the police.
The statements of those on board have revealed that the vessel had left from Chah Bahar in Iran and had travelled to an undisclosed location in July after which it was intercepted by the Navy in the Arabian waters.
News Reported by AR
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