Close X
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
ADVT 
India

Indian Coast Guard Foils 26/11-Type Attack, Suspicious Pakistani Boat Explodes After Chase

Darpan News Desk IANS, 02 Jan, 2015 01:01 PM
    A suspicious Pakistani fishing boat apparently loaded with explosives blew up in the sea and sank off Gujarat after being intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard, officials said Friday, prompting fears that a major terror attack may have been planned.
     
    The Pakistani vessel, which had set off from near Karachi on the eve of New Year, turned into a ball of fire and sank after its occupants, believe to be four in number, set fire to it early Thursday, about seven hours after it was spotted following an intelligence tip off.
     
    Darkness and bad weather prevented the Coast Guard from apprehending any of the crew as they sank in the Arabian Sea along with the vessel.
     
    Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar "complimented the Indian Coast Guard and those involved in the operation for intercepting the rogue vessel off the coast of Gujarat, in a timely and precise manner, thereby, averting a possible danger", an official statement said.
     
    The dramatic incident -- a reminder of the manner Pakistani terrorists sneaked into Mumbai in 2008 -- took place on Dec 31-Jan 1 night. The Coast Guard's Deputy Director General K.R. Nautiyal said he suspected "something serious".
     
    Nautiyal told the media that the boat was spotted by a military aircraft, nearly 365 km from Porbandar in Gujarat late Wednesday night.
     
    At least three aircraft monitored the boat, and it was intercepted by Coast Guard ships near the India-Pakistan maritime boundary, around 11.30 p.m. Dec 31.
     
    Nautiyal said the boat switched off its lights when it was asked to halt for an inspection of the crew and cargo.
     
    "The boat started manoeuvring to escape. We chased it for nearly an hour and a Coast Guard ship managed to stop it with warning shots," he said.
     
    The crew members, four of whom were spotted, then went below the deck. It then blew up, indicating it may have been carrying explosives.
     
    "Due to darkness, bad weather and strong winds, the boat and persons on board could not be saved or recovered. The boat burnt and sank in the same position in early hours of Jan 1," a defence ministry statement said.
     
    Nautiyal said the boat sank at 6.33 a.m. after being cornered.
     
    "There must be something serious. If they were not doing anything wrong, why would they run away and set the boat on fire," he said.
     
    Nautiyal said the intention of the boat and those on board would be known once all "dots are joined".
     
    "The intelligence inputs, accounts from the Coast Guard ships and the aircraft will help," he said.
     
    Nautiyal called the incident the outcome of "good coordination between the intelligence and forces".
     
    Experts meanwhile said the incident reminded of the Mumbai terror attack of November 2008 when 10 Pakistani terrorists massacred 166 Indians and foreigners.
     
    The terrorists had hijacked Indian fishing boats to enter Mumbai.
     
    "This is a matter of concern. It appears a big terror strike was being planned, reminds of 26/11... It also shows that Indian agencies are alert and prepared," security expert Qamar Agha said.
     
    Retired major general S.R.Sinho said the blast in the boat "is a clear indication they were coming with a lot of explosive. Probably they wanted to enter Indian soil".
     
    Strategic expert Commodore C. Uday Bhaskar told IANS: "The incident does remind one of the Mumbai terror attack, but it also reflects positively on the Coast Guard and shows we are better prepared now.A
     
    He said it "can be linked to the US president's visit (to India this month)". 
     
    The Indian Navy chief had last month warned of increased threats from the sea.
     
    Defence Minister Parrikar Lauds Coast Guard For Intercepting Pakistani Boat
     
    Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Friday complimented the Indian Coast Guard for intercepting a suspicious Pakistani fishing boat apparently loaded with explosives and said India needs to be vigilant.
     
    On his official Facebook page, Parrikar wrote: "I congratulate Coast Guards for timely action of intercepting a boat carrying suspected terror groups with surgical precision, thereby eliminating danger." 
     
    "Need to be vigilant," the minister added.
     
    Earlier, an official statement said Parrikar "complimented the Indian Coast Guard and those involved in the operation for intercepting the rogue vessel off the coast of Gujarat, in a timely and precise manner, thereby, averting a possible danger".
     
    In a blatant reminder of the 26/11 terror attack, the Coast Guard in a dramatic chase intercepted and stopped the boat, which blew up in the sea and sank off Gujarat late Wednesday night.
     
    The vessel, which had set off from near Karachi on the eve of New Year, turned into a ball of fire and sank after its occupants, believe to be four in number, set fire to it early Thursday.

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Ambani's Antilia rated world's 'most outrageously expensive property'

    Ambani's Antilia rated world's 'most outrageously expensive property'
    Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani's skyscraper Mumbai home Antilia - named after a mythical island in the Atlantic - has been rated as the world's "most outrageously expensive property" by Forbes magazine.

    Ambani's Antilia rated world's 'most outrageously expensive property'

    BJP plans grand welcome for Modi Saturday

    BJP plans grand welcome for Modi Saturday
    The BJP plans a grand welcome for its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi when he comes to Delhi Saturday, shortlisting at least five spots for felicitating him, party sources said.

    BJP plans grand welcome for Modi Saturday

    BJP prepares for celebrations, Congress office deserted

    BJP prepares for celebrations, Congress office deserted
    Jubilant even before the results of the Lok Sabha election are declared Friday, the BJP office in Delhi was Thursday decked up and party workers got ready with fire crackers and sweets. In contrast, relative quiet prevailed at the Congress headquarters.

    BJP prepares for celebrations, Congress office deserted

    Manmohan Singh's new home is ready to receive him

    Manmohan Singh's new home is ready to receive him
    After a decade at 7 Race Course Road, the official residence of the Indian prime minister, Manmohan Singh and his wife are ready to move into 3 Motilal Nehru Marg, a sprawling bungalow on a busy roundabout not too far from where he has been staying.

    Manmohan Singh's new home is ready to receive him

    Anticipating victory, BJP prepares for big day

    Anticipating victory, BJP prepares for big day
    Jubilant even before the results of the Lok Sabha election are declared Friday, the BJP office in Delhi was Thursday decked up and party workers got ready with fire crackers and sweets.

    Anticipating victory, BJP prepares for big day

    Modi keeps cards to himself, but names do the rounds

    Modi keeps cards to himself, but names do the rounds
    With the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi keeping all cards close to his chest on ministry formation if the NDA comes to power, party leaders Thursday publicly said there was only media speculation on the issue. Yet names of possible cabinet ministers kept doing the rounds in the expectation of a Modi government by next week if the exit poll predictions get confirmed Friday.

    Modi keeps cards to himself, but names do the rounds