Kochi Police quiz Italian ship crew

"Minister Terzi conveyed his deep regret at the loss of the the lives of the two fishermen and expressed his desire that both countries should work together to find a mutually acceptable procedure to establish the facts beyond any doubt and determine responsibilities," India´s external affairs ministry said.

"External Affairs Minister conveyed to the Italian Foreign Minister that it was unfortunate that innocent lives had been lost which could have been avoided had the naval personnel on board Enrica Lexie been careful and exercised restraint.

"He told his Italian counterpart that our information clearly indicated that the Indian fishermen were not carrying any arms or ammunition on board their vessel," the MEA said.

Indian fishing vessels do not carry these on board but only fishing nets and the fish they catch, Krishna communicated.

He said that the law should be allowed to take its course.

"S M Krishna informed the Italian Foreign Minister of his telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister of Kerala who conveyed the strong public opinion and agitation in the state of Kerala at the loss of the innocent lives and the need for an urgent resolution of this issue.

"Krishna emphasized that the personnel on board Enrica Lexie, particularly the Captain of the ship and the two concerned personnel involved in the shooting, should fully cooperate with the concerned Indian investigating authorities.

"He hoped that the issue will be satisfactorily resolved," the MEA said.

According to reports, the police conducted several rounds of meetings with the captain and crew of the Italian cargo vessel but the crew of the ship are reportedly not willing to surrender to the Indian officials and are awaiting for conformations from the Italian authorities.

On Wednesday, security officials of an Italian cargo vessel, Enrica Lexie, shot dead two Indian fishermen mistaking them as pirates in the high seas off Ambalapuzha in Kerala.