The AGMS vessel has been deployed to provide services in support of international naval operations meant to protect shipping off the Somali coastHaving chartered MV Merou, the AGMS, a subsidiary of Avant Garde Security Services (Pvt) Limited, named it MV Avant Garde. Gavrylov, Captain of the vessel, in spite of being released on May 21 is yet to leave the country. The petitioner alleged that SLNS Nandimithra, a fast missile vessel (FMV), had taken ‘MV Avant Garde’ into custody in international waters 15 nautical miles from the baseline. On a directive given by the Galle Magistrate’s court the vessel was handed over to Sri Lanka Shipping Company on Dec 16, 2016 and left for India on the following day. The seizure of MV Avant Garde sharply divided the yahapalana administration.

Source: The Nation May 26, 2021 00:45 UTC