A French yacht, Adriano, was detained during a routine surveillance by the CISF off Kochi port on Friday night. The yacht, with crew hailing from America and France, was originally on its way from Oman to Madagascar.

Kochi Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham said the vessel had strayed into Kochi waters after it faced a storm along its route. The yacht required repairs too. Security agencies verified the crew’s version about the storm, he said.

The commissioner said the international maritime regulations allow them to seek asylum in the nearest port in the event of any snag. In fact, they had been moving to the port in the right track. The vessel, which was given security clearance, would be allowed to go after the repair works, the commissioner said, adding that the travel documents too have been verified.