A team led by Tamil Nadu ‘Q’ Branch Superintendent of Police Bhawani Ishwari reached Tuticorin on Wednesday and inspected the detained American ship, Seaman Guard Ohio , which carried arms and ammunitions and strayed in to Indian waters without permission.
The ship has been in detention since Saturday (October 12). Registered in Sierra Leone, it was detained by Indian Coast Guard personnel on Saturday and escorted to V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin.
The Superintendent of Police entered the Port around 11.30 a.m. and inquired with the crew and armed guards on board the vessel about the incident. After preliminary investigation by the Coast Guard, agencies including Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group, Intelligence Bureau and the ‘Q’ branch police conducted investigations. Besides, National Investigation Agency was also involved in the probe into the detention of the vessel with the crew. Reliable sources added that Customs (Preventive) would take up further investigation. The vessel anchored at berth - II in the Port was being guarded by Central Industrial Security Force personnel. Officials refused to reveals details of the investigation.
When contacted, Tuticorin Collector M. Ravikumar said a report on findings of the investigation is yet to be submitted by the investigating agencies. Tuticorin Superintendent of Police, M. Durai, said the local police would extend support for the investigation.
