The Marine Police of the Coastal Security Group in India have seized a Sri Lankan fibreglass fishing boat which was found washed ashore along the Othathalai coast near Dhanushkodi today (Monday), The Hindu newspaper reported.
On being alerted by local people, a Marine Police team, led by Inspector Rajarajan, seized the boat and brought it to Rameswaram Marine Police station. The boat measured 18 feet in length and six feet in width, the police said.
The registration number found on the boat indicated that it could belong to some fishermen of Talaimannar in the northern coast of Sri Lanka. A set of fishing net was found in the engineless boat.
The boat could have drifted to the Indian coast after its anchor got removed, the police said. The Marine Police have registered a case in this regard.
Meanwhile, R. Kennedy, Inspector, Q Branch police, said there was nothing suspicious in the seizure. “It appears to be a fishing boat and there is no substance to suspect sabotage or smuggling,” he said.
Officials in Talaimannar had complained about the boat missing since Monday last, he said. Only a portion of the boat was visible when it was drifted towards the Indian coast, he said.
As Rameswaram fishermen were on a strike last week, it did not come to the notice of anyone till it reached the shore, he said.
