In an unfortunate incident off the Alapuzha coast of Kerala, two fishermen are feared dead as a result of gun fire from the security detail of a passing merchant ship on Wednesday.
The ship is learnt to have fired at the fishermen mistaking them for pirates.
The vessel identified as Enrica Lexie has reported the incident to the authorities.
Coast Guard District Headquarters No4 had launched CGS Samar, CGS Lakshmibhai and an aircraft to pursue the ship.
Coast Guard aircraft has since located the ship and has asked the vessel to come to anchorage off Kochi for detailed investigation.
INS Kabra from Southern Naval Command has also been put to sea for the operation.
——-Agencies