SL/N/MULA/M/09

The cargo ship, "Princes Kash" that was initially reported to have been hijacked by the LTTE at the Mullaitivu sea was bombed by Sri Lankan airforce Kfir bombers at 4.15am on 14 August.

The Sri Lankan Navy announced that the privately owned cargo ship which was bound for Point Pedro on the Jaffna peninsula with 60 tons of cargo, was hijacked by the LTTE in the Mullaitivu sea in early hours of 14 August.

The ship, with loaded goods, started its journey with 21 crewmen on the night of August 12 from Colombo harbour. The SLN said the ship was surrounded by Sea Tiger gunboats on 14 August and was escorted towards the Mullaitivu coast line.

According to Sri Lankan government sources, the cargo included 30 tons of cement and asbestos, intended for the Jaffna BMC (Building Material Corporation). The other 30 tonns of cargo, with an estimated value of 500 million rupees, was intended for the private market said the sources.

The cargo included 10 tractors, 100 motor cycles, 20 3-wheeled auto- rickshaws, Landmaster engines, Hi-Ace vans, cars, electrical goods, hardware parts, wine and spirits, and clothing and grocery items.