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Coast Guard begins searching hijacked ship

The Coast Guard's bomb disposal squad has boarded the hijacked Italian vessel M V Med Star and is currently rummaging the ship for explosives.

Though the 14 stowaways have stated that they do not have any arms or ammunition on board, the Coast Guard is not taking any chances. ''The ship will be searched thoroughly,'' a Coast Guard spokesperson said.

The vessel, carrying over 2000 tonnes of granite, has now been berthed at Bombay port and two Coast Guard vessels - CGS Veera and CGS Vigraha, which escorted the vessel are keeping a watch.

The 14 stowaways of Iraqi and Iranian origin, as well as the 20 crew members including the captain of the ship are still in the vessel. A Coast Guard official said they are in touch with naval and immigration authorities and necessary formalities are being completed.

Meanwhile, negotiations are expected to commence after the bomb disposal squad completes checking. No European country has offered political asylum to the stowaways, who have already approached the United Nations human rights commission and Protection and Indemnity Club.

A Coast Guard official added, ''After the bomb disposal squad is through the immigration authorities will take over.'' Sources also said representatives of the Italian company, Pearl Shipping, as well as representatives of the P&I Club are expected here for negotiations.

The stowaways are likely to be arrested and produced at a local court. However, Coast Guard officials have refused to confirm this.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT
Hijacked ship docked in Bombay

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