Suspicious boat near Jafrabad sparks high alert along Gujarat coast

Officials have intensified security measures across Gujarat’s western maritime border following the sighting of a suspicious boat. The craft was spotted approximately 19 nautical miles off Jafrabad port, triggering a high alert along the Saurashtra and Kutch coastal regions. 

The unidentified vessel, carrying three individuals without a national flag or fishing gear, was first spotted by local fishermen during their routine catch at around 10:30 am. When approached, the boat failed to respond and fled southwards towards the Valsad-Daman coastline, raising concerns of possible cross-border infiltration.

In response, the Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, and Indian Navy launched a joint surveillance operation spanning Gujarat’s entire 1,600-km coastline. Patrols have been increased within 10 km of the shore, with the Coast Guard securing waters up to 50 nautical miles offshore and the Navy monitoring deeper sea areas beyond that. A three-tier maritime security system is currently active to detect and neutralise suspicious activities swiftly.

A Coast Guard helicopter and patrol vessel were immediately deployed to track the vessel, which remains under search.

As a precaution, the Gujarat state government, in coordination with the Fisheries Department, has issued directives for early recall of fishing boats ahead of the seasonal fishing ban starting June 1. Approximately 80% of the state’s fishing fleet is already docked. For example, at Jakhau port in Kutch, 724 boats are currently anchored, including 198 local and 482 from other districts. Efforts are ongoing to identify and relocate unregistered boats. 

Security officials cited past incidents underscoring the vulnerability of Gujarat’s coastline. Notably, explosives and weapons used in the 1993 Mumbai blasts were smuggled via the Gosabara coast near Porbandar on fishing boats, subsequently transported by land. Additionally, the 2008 26/11 attacks involved the hijacking of the Kuber fishing boat from Porbandar, highlighting the ongoing security challenges.

In a related update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory forecasting stormy seas along the Gujarat coast between June 28 and July 2. Wind speeds of 45–55 km/h and waves up to 3.5 metres are expected, affecting major ports including Mandvi, Jakhau, Mundra, Kandla, Navlakhi, Jamnagar, Salaya, Okha, Porbandar, Dwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Bhavnagar, Alang, Dahej, Magdalla, and Daman.