The Italian vessel Enrica Lexie has been brought back to Cochin Port for ballistic examination and inspection of weapons on board. The vessel which was anchored off the Kochi coast, is now berthed at one of the oil tanker jetties at the harbour.

Meanwhile, a ballistic expert has reportedly started from Italy to take part in the joint search operations for the weapon used for killing the two fishermen.

Yesterday, the prosecution did not object to the Italian plea that the search operations for the weapon be conducted in the presence of an Italian government representative when the matter was raised before the Judicial First Class Magistrate's Court at Kollam.

Police are also discussing with the Italian authorities on the possibility of holding the examination without the presence of the Italian government representative.