Coastal TN on high alert following Sri Lanka blasts, sea patrolling intensified

The east coast of Tamil Nadu is on high security alert in the wake of the bomb blasts that ravaged neighbouring Sri Lanka. 

With coordinated efforts of the Indian Coast Guard personnel, Tamil Nadu Coastal Security Group, Customs, Department of Police and Intelligence Bureau, patrolling has been intensified mid sea and along the shore lines, sources said. 

Apart from three patrol vessels off Thoothukudi Coast Guard station, a hovercraft, an interceptor boat and another interceptor craft are engaged in sea patrolling up to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Vigil has been stepped up along Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar as well. 

As far as Thoothukudi coastal district is concerned, sea surveillance has been increased with the aid of two fast interceptor boats and along the shoreline by two ‘All Terrain Vehicles’, Inspector of Police, Coastal Security Group of Thoothukudi Unit, PV Naveen said. 

Surveillance has also been upped in islands of Vaan, Kasuwari, Hare and New Harbour, he said. Moreover, fish landing centres and vital installations, including ‘Light Houses’, Subramaniya Swamy temple facing Tiruchendur seashore and Manapad were brought under security cover. 

Country boats fishermen have also been asked to extend their cooperation to share any information on movement of any suspicious element at sea, Naveen added.