MUMBAI, Aug 18:
A 16-metre-long yacht with three AK-47 rifles on board and owned by an Australian woman was found off the Raigad coast near Mumbai today causing a scare, though officials said no terror angle has come to light yet.
The discovery of the weapons on the vessel created a buzz as it came ahead of Dahi Handi and Ganesh festivals, but Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said as of now no terror connection has been found. A life boat from the yacht was also found on the coast of Bharadkhol in Raigad district, an official said. Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, informed the State Assembly that the vessel owner was an Australian woman whose husband was its captain.
The yacht was found in a damaged condition off the coast of Harihareshwar-Shrivardhan in Raigad district this morning, Fadnavis informed the House.
“The name of the vessel is Lady Han and it is owned by Hana Lordorgan, an Australian woman,” he said.
The three assault rifles, some rounds of ammunition and also documents were found on the yacht, Fadnavis added.
“The woman’s husband James Hobert was the captain of the vessel which was going to Europe from Muscat. Around 10 am on June 26, 2022, the yacht’s engine failed and the sailors called for help,” the Deputy CM said. A Korean warship rescued those on board and handed them over to Oman authorities, he said.
The vessel could not be towed as the sea was rough, he added.
“The Indian Coast Guard said the boat is stranded on the Harihareshwar coast due to the sea undercurrent. Both local police and anti-terrorist squad are investigating and all the police units have been ordered to be alert in view of upcoming festivals,” he said.
The Coast Guard and Central agencies were in constant touch with the State authorities, he added. “As of now, there is no terror angle. But investigation is going on. We can’t rule out any angle as of now. I am just sharing primary information,” he added.
The yacht, which is four metres wide, had drifted due to inclement weather and the Australian couple abandoned it after engine trouble, he added.
Prima facie, there is no terror angle, but it is unclear why it was carrying arms, the deputy CM said after Raigad legislator Aditi Tatkare sought a probe into the issue. Some locals spotted the yacht near Shrivardhan, more than 190 km from Mumbai, and alerted security agencies, officials said earlier in the day. (PTI)
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