Chilean naval vessel calls at Kochi naval base

Kochi, Sep 6 (UNI) The visiting Chilean naval vessel, BE Esmeralda, paid homage at the war memorial at the naval base here today.

Chilean Ambassador to India Alfonso Silva and Captain Victor Zanelli Suffo, the commanding officer of the vessel, laid wreaths at the memorial with Chilean naval ceremonial guard and Chilean naval band in attendance.

Rear Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Staff of the Southern Naval Command, was also present.

Earlier in a friendly football match, the visiting team and the Indian naval team shared the honours.

Esmeralda, one of the largest and oldest sail ships in the world, would remain docked here till September 9.

UNI MA PMM SP AS1439