Pakistani 'explosives' Boat Had 'Costly Cargo' to be Moved to India, for Obama's Visit?

Pakistani 'explosives' Boat Had 'Costly Cargo' to be Moved to India, for Obama's Visit? (NDTV)

A suspicious fishing boat carrying explosives from Pakistan was intercepted by Indian Coast Guard in Arabian Sea near Indo-Pak maritime boundary but it sank after the crew on board set it on fire. We bring you 10 interesting points.

1. Intercepts were picked up about "costly cargo" to be shipped to India, say sources. The National Technical Research Organisation picked up a conversation from Karachi. 

2. The intercepts revealed that the boat was carrying arms and explosives to be transferred to another boat. 

3. A second intercept was picked up at around 12 noon on December 31 about a suspicious boat. The inputs were shared with the local marine police and Coast Guard. 

4. The boat was spotted around 365 km west of Porbandar in Gujarat. 

5. Sources say the explosives-laden fishing boat was about 10 to 15 km into Indian waters.  

6. When the Pakistani vessel was intercepted, it was "sitting quietly without lights", said sources. 

7. The Coast Guard reportedly asked the ship to switch on the lights and let it board the ship for verification. But the ship tried to move away, which is when the Coast Guard ship gave chase. 

8. The "hot pursuit" lasted for about an hour. The boat allegedly slowed down because it was low on fuel. 

9. Several loud explosions followed and a massive fire erupted on the boat. Four men were seen on the boat before it sank. 

10. Indian forces and police have been on high alert in preparation for US President Barack Obama's visit later this month for the Republic Day parade.

More on this story here and here.