"Based on preliminary investigation, we have requested the marine police (Tuticorin) to take over the case for further investigation and to establish the facts of the case and proceed further if need be," Inspector General and Commander, Coast Guard (Region East) Satya Prakash Sharma told PTI here.
Asked if ship authorities had provided documents to show that they were duly authorised to carry arms and ammunition, he said, "It is a fact that needs to be established."
Asked if it was true that the ship was offering "maritime security solutions" as claimed by it, the official said, "Apparently so...But not yet established."
The ship was also sighted off Kochi on August 28, he said.
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The vessel was detained by the Coast Guard off Tuticorin coast yesterday.
It was intercepted about 15 nautical miles east of Tuticorin by a Coast Guard ship after ICG received information that the vesssel carrying arms and guards was off Tuticorin coast. It was later escorted to Tuticorin harbour.