Two stowaways were found on the merchant vessel ‘Sea Line’ while it was out in the water, two kilometres away from Mumbai Port Trust.
The Yellow Gate police have launched a manhunt for the duo who escaped after they were caught and held in the vessel’s cabin. The police have also registered a complaint against the captain of Sea Line for negligence and allowing the entry of two people into the vessel without necessary documents.
“An incident of two stowaways entering the city came to light on Sunday morning. They were found by the captain while the vessel was in water two kilometres away from Mumbai Port Trust. The captain informed the vessel owner, who in turn alerted the immigration department, following which we were informed about the two stowaways,” said a police officer.
“In his police statement, the captain of the vessel said that the two people were from Sudan in South Africa and had entered the vessel without proper permits and documents,” said senior police inspector Pandurang Dhoke of Yellow Gate police station.
“The captain also said that they caught the two men and shut them in a cabin. But the duo allegedly managed to open the window and become untraceable,” said Dhoke and added, “We searched the entire vessel twice but have not found them anywhere. After examining the window, it seems impossible that they could have opened it.”
“We have registered a case against the captain for negligence and the two stowaways for entering the city without permits. The investigation is underway and we have not arrested the captain yet. We have launched a manhunt in the city,” said Dhoke.
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