Coast Guard seizes fishing boat for suspected diesel smuggling off Mumbai coast
The Indian Coast Guard apprehended a fishing vessel off the Mumbai coast for allegedly smuggling 4,000 litres of illicit diesel. The operation involved a high-speed pursuit and the recovery of evidence after the crew attempted to discard some of the contraband.
Why it matters
Maritime security operations are essential for preventing illicit trade and maintaining safety in coastal waters.
“The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended a fishing vessel along with its seven crew members for alleged diesel smuggling off the Mumbai coast,” officials said on Tuesday (October 13, 2026). “The operation was undertaken in the early hours of Monday (October 12, 2026),” the Coast Guard said.
“During the preliminary investigation, the master of the vessel confessed to receiving about 4,000 litres of illicit diesel at sea. It also came to light that the crew had discharged around 500 litres of the contraband overboard during the chase in a desperate bid to destroy evidence,” it said.
"In a swift and coordinated maritime operation, the ICG apprehended an Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Haridwar Krupa, suspected of engaging in illicit mid-sea diesel smuggling off the Mumbai coast," the Coast Guard said.
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