Indian Coast Guard apprehends Somali Boat

GANDHINAGAR -Personnel of Indian Coast Guard detained a suspicious boat carrying seven persons, believed to be Somali nationals, off Veraval port in Gujarat.

All seven persons were found unconscious in the boat that was found afloat in the Indian territorial waters.

Reportedly, certain local fishermen first spotted the boat sailing aimlessly, about 15 nautical miles off Veraval, they alerted the local Coast Guard officials, who instantly rushed to the spot to counter any eventuality.

The Coast Guard authorities deduced that these persons had apparently lost their way at sea and had been sailing aimlessly since days.

“We saw seven people who seemed to be of Somali origin. We talked to one of them through gestures and came to know that they had been lost at sea since 10 to 15 days. They did not have any food stocks left, and had come sailing afloat with the waves till here,” said Chandrayan Dey, Coast Guard Commander, Veraval.

The Coast Guard officials provided the sailors with first-aid, food and water and the condition of these detained persons is believed to be critical.

“They have been admitted to the local hospital. However, their identity can be established only after a thorough investigation is conducted,” observed P C Dave, Customs Superintendent at Veraval.(ANI)