Strict Vigilance Ensured by Marine Police, CISF, and Customs Department
Heightened security measures and strict vigilance have been enforced in Paradip Port following the docking of a merchant ship with 21 Pakistani crew members on board. Personnel from the Marine Police, CISF, and Customs Department are observing movements of the ship's crew round-the-clock to thwart any breach of national security.
Reports stated that the Hong Kong-flagged ship 'MT Siren II' docked at the SPM Single Point Mooring terminal of the Paradip port this morning. The vessel was stated to be carrying 196,580 metric tons of crude oil for IOCL and had travelled from South Korea via Singapore before reaching here.
Among the 25 crew members in total, 21 are from Pakistan. The Paradip Immigration Department notified the Marine Police, CISF, Customs, and port authorities about the situation following which security forces have been keeping a close watch on the ship until the unloading of cargo is completed.
Sources informed that authorities have ordered that the vessel remain anchored until cargo unloading is completed ensuring that Pakistani crew members do not disembark under any circumstances.
Given the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, security personnel are wary of the risks posed by the ship's crew, especially in the wake of a Pakistani diplomat having been caught spying a day ago. Additionally, under Operation Sindoor, India has imposed restrictions on maritime movements with Pakistan, reinforcing strict monitoring protocols.
Since the ship is carrying volatile cargo, it has not docked at the port but has anchored itself at the SPM with local boats carrying out offloading. The security measures are to ensure that no Pakistani crew member sneaks their way out of the ship or carries out any illicit or spyware activities.
