Australian national Hana Laundergun and James, her husband are the owner of the yacht which was on its way from Muscat when it drifted away owing to inclement weather : Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis

New Delhi, August 19

An abandoned yacht loaded three AK47 rifles and ammunition was found near Harihareshwar beach in Raigad district. 

The Raigad Police were informed about the boat who also rushed to the spot including security agencies. 

The police said that the boat is legally owned and the weapons were also licensed while ruling out any terror threat attached with the yacht. 

It has been reported that it was a UK-flagged craft had originally set sail from West Asia towards Europe. The yacht broke apart from the Korean warship and went adrift while being towed.

While speaking about the incident in the assembly, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis identified Australian national Hana Laundergun as the owner of the yacht and James, her husband, as its captain. He said the yacht was on its way from Muscat when it drifted away owing to inclement weather.

The boat owner was contacted by the authorities who claimed the arms were for security purposes as they had to pass through Somali waters. The Indian Coast Guard officials also ruled out the terror angle related to the yacht. 

The authorities stated that they are verifying the statement of the owner of the boat to check all angles to the incident.