Fresh Navy alert warns of attacks on its ships

The confidential note has been issued by the office of Chief Staff Officer,Flag Officer Commanding,Western Naval Command,and sent to fisheries’ unions,craft owners and ferry craft operators operating in the western coast between Gujarat and Maharashtra.

The letter,a copy of which is available with The Indian Express,says: “The Headquarters has received intelligence input regarding possibility of attacks on Indian Naval (IN) ship by explosive-laden fast boats and trawlers. The modus operandi in such attacks is that a boat laden with explosive closes the target ship,rams into it and explodes next to the ship.”

The note explains that such attacks are orchestrated from “close range and at high speed”,making it difficult for the naval ship to launch a counter attack. The fisheries unions,especially,have been asked to inform their boatmen to maintain a distance of at least 200 meters “failing which they are liable to be fired upon”.

Naval vessels have “been ordered to maintain high alert and use suitable measures to counter such attacks”. Merchant navy vessels entering and leaving the Mumbai harbour have also been issued similar instructions.

The intelligence alert has also been sent to the Commissioner of Fisheries,the Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust,Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust,Commissioner of Police,Mumbai,and the Principal Officer,Mercantile Marine Department.