Coast Guard probing terror boat's Porbunder link

Amidst suspicion that perpetrators of terror attacks in Mumbai came by a boat, Gujarat Coast Guard are investigating the owner of a fishing vessel which was apprehended off the Mumbai coast in connection with the incidents, coast guard sources here said.

"The Mumbai Coast Guard has found a fishing vessel which might have links with the terror strikes. It has some connection with the Porbunder district. We are investigating the matter," Commodor of Coast Guard, Gujarat, Satish Chandran told PTI.

"I cannot reveal any further detail at this stage of investigation," he added.

Sources in Porbunder said the local police, Customs and Coast Guard are jointly interrogating one Vinod Masani, who is stated to be the owner of the boat.

Masani's boat 'Kuber' was missing for the last 14 days after it was taken on a fishing mission by five fishermen to Jhakao near Kutch, sources said.

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard in Maharashtra have launched a hunt for the vessel, pressing two aircraft and choppers into service.

Asked about the vessel M V Alpha which was suspected to have carried the terrorists to Mumbai, Chandran said they are investigating the matter.