The Italian cargo vessel Enrica Lexie has been perceived anchored at the outer channel off the coast of Kochi for further investigation as it was required by Indian law enforcement agencies including the Coast Guard, Kerala Police and the Navy.
The vessel sailing to Fujaria was involved in a shooting incident which took place on February 15, when her armed security guard fired at a fishing boat believing that they were being approached by pirates. On board the boat sailing into the sea off Kollam coast were 11 fishermen and two of them were killed. As soon as the incident occurred, the Coast Guard District Headquarters No 4 deployed CGS Samar, CGS Lakshmibhai and an aircraft to locate the vessel.
Enrica Lexia is a crude oil tanker owned by d’Amato Fatelli sailing the colors of Italy.
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World Maritime News Staff, February 17, 2012; Image: Indian Navy