The new 45-foot North Korean Motor Vessel (M/V) Omrani-II’ apparently had mechanical problems and was towed to Bombay on 29 October. An inspection of the empty vessel caused suspicions, as they could not explain why there were underway to Iran in an empty ship:

“They have told us that because it is a new ship they were testing it. But it is strange that they should need to sail as far as Iran.”

Indian officials said they were simply inspecting a suspicious vessel, not taking action on UN Security Council Resolution 1718.

The investigations are part of standard procedures that are followed when a ship strays into our waters,” said A Banerjee, a top shipping official. In 1999, a North Korean ship was seized off western India after a search revealed it was carrying missile components, metal casings and technical manuals to Pakistan.

The ship’s manifest had listed sugar and water purification equipment. Indian officials said they wanted to ensure that the ship was not hiding any contraband or being used to ferry material related to North Korea or Iran’s nuclear programmes.

That would have been an interesting conversation:

Indian official: Why are you in these waters?

NK Captain: Uh, testing! Yeah, we’re testing this new ship.

Indian official: Over 9,000 km from North Korea is a bit far.

NK Capitan: Uh, real good testing?

Indian official: Why were you going to Iran?

NK Capitan: Not going to Iran! Just testing.

Indian official: Did you perhaps throw over any cargo you would not want to be found with? Also, considering UNSCR 1718 that bans export of sensitive items to North Korea, Iran’s stance on enforcing that resolution, and you in an empty ship heading for Iran, anything you want to tell us?

NK Capitan: Do you guys have any kimchi?

More observations here.