Port authorities detain cruiseliner

Kochi, Jan 30 (UNI) Following a Kerala High Court directive, the Lakshadweep Port Authorities today 'arrested' and 'detained' a cruise liner in connection with the death of a 14-month-old US citizen of Indian origin in Lakshadweep Islands last year.

Port Sources said the foreign registered vessel owned by 'Starcruises' in Malaysia was detained for an hour and was released after the master of the liner, M V Super Star Libra, produced bank guarantee of Rs ten lakh.

Later, the vessel commenced its return voyage to Mumbai.

The High Court issued the interim order after parents of Neuna Shah filed a petition seeking action against the vessel authorities for negligence resulting in the death of their child in November, 2006.

Neuna, a passenger of the liner, drowned when the small boat in which she and her parents boarded to get to Kadmath Island overturned due to adverse weather conditions.

UNI