Published on - 3/10/2003
\'It was observed that the vessel caught fire and sank\'
The Sri Lanka Navy received credible information on 09th March 2003 that an LTTE vessel carrying warlike material, was approaching the Mullaittivu coast with the objective of unloading weapons at mid sea onto small boats.
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sayura, which was on a routine patrol in the area was immediately instructed to investigate. The suspect vessel was identified and challenged at approximately 185 miles East of Mullaittivu.
The vessel was not flying the flag of any State, nor was any name displayed on bows.
On being challenged on the International Maritime Communication channel, the responses received were vague and contradictory.Thereupon, SLNS Sayura ordered suspect vessel to stop in order to satisfy itself that it did not pose serious security threat to the State.
The suspect vessel, ignoring the Command to stop, began to take evasive action and attempted to escape. To prevent this, SLNS Sayura approached the suspect vessel at close range. The latter then opened fire, resulting in injury to 03 sailors and 01 Officer onboard and damaging the bridge of SLNS Sayura.
SLNS Sayura then took retaliatory action in the exercise of the right of self-defence, which was resorted to for the purpose of protecting vital interests involving Sri Lanka\'s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
