Coast Guard, Indian Navy patrol in high seas

Chennai, Mar 28: The Coast Guard and Indian Navy have stepped up patrolling in the high seas from Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off Rameswaram coast, in the wake of the LTTE displaying its air strike capability by attacking a Sri Lankan Air Base on Monday.

Coast Guard Inspector General Rajendra Singh told reporters here today that both the CG and Navy were patrolling round the clock.

Two CG ships and one from the Navy, apart from helicopers and Dornier aircraft from both establishments had been deployed.

Besides, intercepter craft, speedboats and hovercraft were being used for patrolling.

Mr Singh said the Tamil Nadu State Police personnel were being given special training as part of stepping up maritime security.

Meanwhile, CG sources said special training was being given to State police on how to shoot down suspicious aircraft that flew over the area at a height of 11,000 m.

UNI