Chinese boats seek shelter as cyclone 'Vayu' strengthens

Marine Police and the Customs have been apprised about the movement of the Chinese boats, a Coast Guard official said.

Representational Picture (@IndiaCoastGuard)

Mumbai: Some Chinese boats traversing the Arabian Sea sought shelter from Indian authorities near Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, as cyclone Vayu intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, on Tuesday. "Some 6-7 boats have initiated the communication and sought shelter following a routine procedure. The first communication as per my information took place today evening," a Coast Guard official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) communication Tuesday, the speed of "Vayu" has increased to 17 km per hour in the last six hours of Tuesday evening. Marine Police and the Customs have been apprised about the movement of the Chinese boats, he said. "Once these boats reach Ratnagiri, we will come to know about their exact status and their requirements," the official said, adding that it is a common practice wherein boats and ships of one country seek shelter at facilities like ports in a nearby country. The IMD has issued a warning for Saurashtra and Kutch region in Gujarat which would receive a widespread rainfall and heavy to very heavy showers in isolated areas on June 13. The department has warned fishermen against venturing into sea as the cyclonic storm is getting intensified. "It is very likely to move nearly northwards and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph during early morning of June 13," as per Mumbai regional office, India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is located in the Arabian Sea, about 350 km west-northwest of Goa, 410 km south-southwest of Mumbai (Maharashtra) and 530 km nearly south of Veraval (Gujarat), it said.