Cargo vessel that docked in Gwadar intercepted

A cargo vessel was 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.

“The crew claimed they sought PMSA’s help to repair the boat at Gwadar. But we cannot rule out the possibility that they might be working at the behest of the Pak agency,” the SP added. PTI