TWO TLDM SHIPS RETURNING FROM SOMALIA MISSION MAKE A PORT CALL AT MUMBAI
KD Inderapura and KD Lekiu, two Malaysian naval ships involved in the special mission freeing the kidnapped MISC vessel Bunga Melati V and Bunga Melati II, berthed at Mumbai Port on 10 October 2008 before continuing their journey home on Monday.
KD Inderapura, a logistics carrier with over 300 crews and special operation teams; and KD Lekiu, a frigate with 160 crew members docked at Indira Dock in Mumbai in the morning of 10th October 2008. They were received by the Malaysian Defence Attache, Col. Yusri Haji Anwar.
KD Inderapapura is headed Col. Ganesh while KD Lekiu id headed by Col. Zahari Haji Jamian. The arrival of both ships and the Malaysian navy officers was also warmly welcomed by India’s Western Naval Commander, Vice Admiral Sangram Singh. The Consul General of Malaysia, Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah accompanied by his spouse Zuhaila greeted all the navy and crews during a reception held on board of KD Inderapura.
All the naval seamen were extremely happy as they were allowed to disembark and visit the city of Mumbai especially after spending nearly two months including Ramadan and Hari Raya mostly on board. They said that they could not wait to reach home (Malaysia) to see their families.
On 11th October, the Consul General and the Tourism Director, M. Manoharan were invited to have a guided tour on both KD Indepura and KD Lekiu. On the same day, the Consul General hosted a hari raya party to some of the crew members at the Official Residence.
KD Inderapura and KD Lekiu are scheduled to leave Mumbai for TLDM base in Lumut on 13 October 2008.
