Navy escorts MV Captain Ali out of Sri Lankan Waters

In accordance with the directives of the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Navy escorted the controversial ship, MV Captain Ali, out of the Sri Lankan territorial waters on the 09th of June 2009 allowing it to return to its port of origin.

The vessel sailing under the Syrian flag was intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy on the 04th of June 2009 for violating internationally accepted formalities followed by merchant ships seeking to enter into ports in Sri Lanka and as clear grounds existed that the ship was not conforming to the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The ship was kept at anchor in Sri Lankan waters under Naval supervision until investigations were completed. Upon interception, the Navy boarded the vessel and carried out a thorough inspection of the ship’s cargo to ascertain that it did not carry any warlike materials. The Criminal Investigation Department interrogated the ship’s crew on their involvement in the illegal voyage. Throughout its stay, the ship was kept under close Naval surveillance by SLN patrol craft with round-the-clock on board security.

Sri Lanka Navy, which is also the designated authority for implementing the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Sri Lanka, is tasked with protecting the territorial waters of the country and upholding the country’s maritime laws. It remains alert to prevent any unauthorized intrusions into the country’s territorial waters and provides assistance to authorities to deal with violators for non compliance.

Read Story: MV 'Captain Ali' intercepted and brought to Colombo