MEA alerts several countries in Pacific Ocean region over missing Kerala vessel with 243 people on-board

External Affairs Ministry said it has sensitised several countries in Pacific Ocean region about a missing vessel that sailed from Kerala with people on board more than five months ago.

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said y are yet to receive any information from se countries in matter.

According to media reports, vessel, named 'Deva Matha 2', h set sail from a port in Kerala's Ernakulam district on January 12 and according to state police it h 243 people on board.

"When it sailed we were informed by state government that re are people on board and y were heed towards a specific destination in Pacific Ocean and our responsibility was to sensitise countries in that region. Tell m what we kw and also seek inputs from m just in case y come across this vessel," Kumar told reporters.

"Till w we have t received any information from countries we have asked for inputs," he said.

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family members of those missing have approached several authorities and even sent a joint memorandum to MEA.

On extrition request of bank fugitive Mehul Choksi, Kumar said a certain process has to be followed and y have been told that extrition request remains under consideration of Antigua & Barbuda authorities.

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