Coast Guard Seizes Smuggling Boat Off Mumbai Coast
Indian Coast Guard intercepts fishing boat Haridwar Krupa suspected of mid-sea diesel smuggling near Prongs Lighthouse.
In a high-stakes maritime interception, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended an Indian Fishing Boat (IFB), identified as the Haridwar Krupa, suspected of participating in illegal mid-sea diesel smuggling operations near the Mumbai coast.
The operation, carried out with precision and speed, underscores the increasing vigilance of maritime authorities along India's western coastline to combat unauthorized activities and smuggling networks.
High-Speed Chase Near Prongs Lighthouse
The incident unfolded after the ICG received intelligence regarding suspicious maritime movements in the region. Acting on this targeted surveillance, ICG ships were deployed to maintain a strict vigil near the Prongs Lighthouse area.
During their patrol, the ICG vessels spotted the suspect fishing boat operating in close proximity to a merchant vessel. When the authorities attempted to establish contact via the VHF maritime channel, the crew of the Haridwar Krupa chose to ignore the warnings. Instead of complying, the vessel attempted evasive maneuvers to escape the patrol ships.
This triggered an immediate hot pursuit by the Coast Guard, which eventually resulted in the successful interception and boarding of the fleeing boat.
Smugglers Attempt to Dump Evidence
Upon boarding the vessel, a specialized team conducted a thorough search of the craft. The investigation quickly revealed a desperate attempt by the crew to hide their tracks. During the high-speed chase, the crew reportedly discharged approximately 500 liters of illicit diesel overboard in an attempt to destroy the evidence of their crime.
Despite this attempt to dispose of the contraband, the vessel's master confessed during preliminary questioning that they had received roughly 4,000 liters of illicit diesel at sea.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
The Coast Guard boarding team confiscated several items to assist in the ongoing inquiry, including:
- All relevant operational documents from the vessel.
- Six mobile phones used by the crew.
- The vessel itself and the remaining illicit cargo.
The apprehended boat and its crew have been escorted to Mumbai Harbour. A massive joint investigation has now been launched, involving a coordinated effort between the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), and the State Police to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.