Sea Tigers were the Naval wing of LTTE(Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).
Images:(above) Sea Tigers logo, LTTE chief during a Sea Tigers parade.
Sea Tigers were the main factor behind the success and survival of LTTE . They helped LTTE prolong the Civil War for more than a quarter century.
Founded in 1984 Sea Tigers started to launch Sea Attacks in 1990 ( Second Eelam War ). From 1990–2009 Sea Tigers had sunk more than 50 high profile attack crafts and warships.
No other non-state Navy had ever achieved such thing against a well developed State Navy.
Some of the sunked/destroyed naval crafts:
- 2 Large surveillance command Ships ( Abeetha and Edithara)
- 1 Large Warship (Sagarawardene)
- 3 Warships( Sooraya, Ranasuru and Ranaviru)
- 20 Dvora Class Fast Attack Crafts ( Israeli origin)
- 18 Inshore Patrol Crafts.
- 1 Large Navy Supply Vessel
Along with these Sea Tigers had sunk numerous other offshore and Inshore Navy crafts.
Phases of Development
- During the Eelam War 1 (1983–1987) and IPKF deployment(1987–1990) Sea Tigers were mostly involved in transport of weapons and cadres to and from India.
- During the Eelam War 2(1990–1995) Sea Tigers started to engage in sea combat operations but largely depended on Sea Black Tigers to counter hi-tech SL Navy ships and boats.
- During Eelam War 3 (1996–2002) Sea Tigers were well developed and were capable of engage in sea battles with large floatillas of SL Navy boats on high sea waves. They also earned the tag of most sophisticated non-State Navy.
Along with combat duties Sea Tigers were also involved in loading and unloading of Arms Ships brought from various International black Markets.
Long Answer (1000+words)Image
Image: Sea Tigers returning to base.
Formed in 1984 Sea Tigers started to launch Sea attacks in 1990.
The first ever cargo ship was bought from Singapore in 1984 and it was named as Cholan.
Admiral Soosai
Image: Sea Tigers chief Soosai(c) with senior Commanders Theepan(L) and Bhanu in 2003.
Soosai was Sea Tigers chief from 1991 to its demise in 2009. Joined LTTE as a regular cadre along with Bottu Amman in 1981 . He was close to Lt.Shankar, first LTTE martyr and later married Shankar's sister.
Under his leadership Sea Tigers become the most sophisticated non-state Navy in modern history. In 2007 while testing a newly designed boat he met with an accident. It was widely rumored that he was killed in that accident. He lost his youngest son Shankar(named after his wife’s bother) and one of his bodyguards that day. But after getting treatment at various secret locations he emerged again to lead Sea Tigers for one last time.
Image: Soosai having a good time with Bhanu and LTTE's chief negotiator Anton Balasingham(R).
Sea Tigers divisions
There were various divisions but most important were
- Regular Sea Tigers
- Female Sea Tigers
- Sea Black Tigers (including frogmen and frogwomen)
- Frogmen or deep sea divers(with 3 sub divisions)
- Engineering divisions(with a separate female division)
SEA BLACK TIGERS
Image: Captain Miller, first Black Tiger(land) killed in July 1987.
While the first Black Tiger Attack was carried out in 5th July 1987, but after the deployment of IPKF(Indian Peace Keeping Force) LTTE never used suicide tactics. Once IPKF left in 1990 and the Second Eelam War started LTTE launched it's second suicide attack almost 3 years after the first attack.
In early 1990s Sea Tigers didn't have a strong attack craft to fight the Navy so they were highly depended on Sea Black Tigers. Except few times Sea Black Tigers never disappointed their Admiral.
For the Eelam cause these highly committed men and women were ready to ram into any target and explode themselves .
Becoming a Sea black tiger:
Image: Black Tigers, scene from the movie Operation Ellalan.
To become Black Tigers regular cadres had to send application to LTTE chief. Once their applications were accepted by LTTE chief regular cadres were trained for tough Sea Operations. As far as Sea Black Tigers were considered swimming skills of a cadre played a vital role in getting selected for this most respected and elite squad.
Last Supper
Before their last mission Black Tigers were allowed to have their last supper with LTTE chief.
Image: Dinner with the leader.
Images: Sea Black Tigers having snacks with Sea Tiger Chief Soosai and LTTE chief.
Deep Sea Divers
Sea Tigers has a specialized deep sea divers who were also become Black Tigers whenever required.
NAVAL ENGINEERING DIVISIONS
LTTE's Naval Engineering divisions have produced some of the most sophisticated naval crafts and boats.
These crafts were produced by locally available materials like fiberglass.
Advantages of Sea Tigers Boats:
- Low production cost. Made with cheap materials like fiberglass used for making Shipping Boats .
- Effective bottom design to turn at very high speed.
- Achieve high speed(50–60 knots) with heavy loads like heavy troops and ammunition.
Otis (Boatmen) :
Tamil Militancy started to rise it's head from late 1960s. From late 1960s to early 1990s India was the most important destination for Tamil Militants especially LTTE. Wanted Militants used to hide in India and it was the safest place for them.
To reach India from Jaffna( Tamil militant stronghold) and vice-versa they were depended on Otis or boatmen. These Otis were highly skilled boatmen who had thorough knowledge of Sea depth in different regions, timing and route of SL and Indian Navy Patrol boats.
These Otis were involved in both legal and illegal activities on the sea region between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu also known as Palk Strait. They commanded great respect among Tamil Militants as Otis were highly trustable men and contributed to the Eelam Armed struggle in their own way .
Operation Point Five:
In late 1986 Prabhakaran refused to meet and sign the accord with Sri Lankan President who arrived in Bangalore to attend SAARC Meet. The intention of Indian Government was clear so when
Later Prabhakaran told Anita Pratap(News Reporter) that on that day he decided never to return India again.
But he couldn't do that. His movement was closely observed by Q-Branch of Tamil Nadu Police. So he outsmarted TN intelligence officers by using his wife 's car. Later he reached a coastal point near Vedaranyam. There 5 Boats were waiting for him. After the sun set these boats disappeared into the dark Sea. Once reaching the other point many LTTE cadres were waiting to welcome back their leader. Until then neither the boatmen(Otis) or any other LTTE commander knew about his escape plan. Even his wife madhivadhani and close confidant Balasingham knew it only after he safely reach Jaffna. Kittu was the only Commander who knew about the arrival of Prabhakaran. To keep the whole plan secret he chose Otis over his own sea Tigers.
First Eelam War and Sea Tigers (1983/84- 1987)
BIRTH OF SEA TIGER:
In 1984 Sea Tigers were founded. They were mostly engaged in transport of cadres and cargo between Eelam and Tamil Nadu(India). They used small boats with few armed cadres onboard always. They were not capable of fighting with SL Navy so they mostly avoid direct confrontation with Government Forces.
If they were spotted by the coast guard or Navy then there was no one to save them. It means sure death. So more than their weapons they were highly depended on their Intelligence information to clandestinely reach their destination.
Kittu pulled a stunning raid
When the SL Government was preparing for the arrival of British PM Margaret Thatcher at the same time Prabhakaran was busy planning his own way of welcoming her. He wanted the World to know about the Eelam issue. He chose the same date to launch a raid in Jaffna.
On April 10th, 1985 LTTE's newly appointed Jaffna commander Kittu with around 200 LTTE Cadres on mini buses, bikes and bicycles infiltrated into Jaffna city. They shut down the power supply of the area and surrounded the Police Station. There were around 100 Policemen deployed there. After giving warnings LTTE started firing. There was an Army camp hardly 1Km away so the Policemen thought that they can protect the station from LTTE as soon Army would send reinforcement. But it never happened. Soldiers at the Army camp thought that LTTE would attack the camp next so instead of sending reinforcement they stood alert to protect their camp. But on that day Military camp was not LTTE's target. Their target was the weapons kept inside the Police Station. Even LTTE thought that Army would send reinforcement so Kittu had deployed a LTTE team to block the reinforcement. Soon Policemen realized that Army would never come so they abandoned the station and ran away. LTTE got away with huge stock of ammunition.
After the raid Sea Tigers were provided some better weapons which they can use during their dangerous Sea travel yet they were still not capable of figting an enemy attack craft.
Mr.& Mrs.Balasingham escape:
During late 1987 after losing Jaffna to IPKF LTTE escaped to Wanni jungles. Indian Navy and Coast Guards had created Naval Blockade around tthe Palk Strait. At that time Prabhakaran asked LTTE's chief spokesperson Anton Balasingham and his wife to leave Sri Lanka and escape to London.
Amid all situations Sea Tigers transported the couple to a secret place in Tamil Nadu. From there they were taken to Bengaluru. They returned to Madras(Chennai) then escaped to London with the help of an IB Officer.
LTTE cadres treated at TN
During LTTE Vs IPKF (1987–1990) hundreds of injured LTTE cadres were transported to Tamil Nadu(India) for better treatment.
SEA MONSTERS
During late 1980s and 1990s SL Navy had deployed three large ships to monitor the waters in the Northern part of the island.
- Abeetha
- Edithara
- Wickrema
Main Tasks of these ships
- These ships were fitted with powerful radars to guide Fast Attack Craft (FAC) to control Sea Tiger movements in the region.
- These ships were strategically positioned to provide food, water and ammunition to FACs deployed in northern coasts.
- These ships were also used to transport heavy vehicles and equipments between two bases whenever required.
These ships were also known as Sea Monsters among Tamil fishermen and Tamil Tigers. These vessels had responsible for the death of hundreds of Tamil fishermen(suspected as LTTE supporters) and LTTE cadres who used these regions.
Eelam War 2 (1990–1995)
1990:
During the early stage of the Eelam War 2 LTTE successfully captured Mankulam, Kilaly and Kilinochchi.
First attack on Navy
After the departure of IPKF LTTE took control of most parts of Jaffna. But most of the Sea routes around Jaffna Peninsula were still under Government control.
First Black Tiger:
Kantharuban, Vinoth and Collins became the first Sea Black Tigers on 06.1990. They launched a suicide attack on the so called sea Monster “Edithara”. But they were spotted even before they reach the target and heavy exchange of gunfire took place. Edithara Ship survived the attack with minor damages.
But with that attack LTTE had opened a new front on sea . It was just the beginning of a nearly 2 decade long sea battles where SL Navy faced multiple suicide attacks .
Among the first Sea Black Tigers Kantharuban stood out because he was the one who asked LTTE chief to open Orphanage home for helpless kids who lost their parents due to civil war.
Kantharuban himself was an orphan so before going for his last mission during a conversation he asked LTTE chief to open an Orphanage home for children who lost their parents during the civil war.
Image: LTTE chief inaugurating a Chenchollai Illam.
This inspired LTTE chief to open many such homes:
- Chenchollai IIllam: Orphanage home for female children who lost their parents during the civil war.
- Kantharuban Arivuchcholai : Orphanage home for male children.
- Anbu Illam: Old age home for elder people who lost their children .
- Santhosham Psychiatrist home: For civilians and former LTTE cadres who lost their mental balance due to Civil War.
- Navam Arivukkudam(Navam Training School): Training School for disabled (physically ) LTTE war veterans.
Image: Swiss Tamils pay homage to Kantharuban and 60 school girls who were killed during the Sencholai Bombing(2006) in 2013.
1991:
Destruction of Abeetha
Though Edithara survived first Black Tiger attack on it , but it's companion Abeetha was not lucky enough to survive the Black Tigers attack.
Jeyanthan and Bharathan were the two Black Tigers who rammed their Suicide Boat on Abeetha. The damage was huge and Abeetha was taken out of service and sent to Navy yard.
Image: Sea Black Tiger Jeyanthan with leader.
Jeyanthan who led the attack was hailed from Jothipuram, Batticaloa, Eastern Province. As he played a vital role in sinking first Navy Ship that too the feared Abeetha (one of the 3 Monster surveillance ships) LTTE chief named its second Military brigade as Jeyanthan Brigade ( Charles Anthony Brigade was the first) .
These brigade was made of cadres exclusively from Eastern Province. In 2004 this brigade remained loyal to mainstream LTTE when former Eastern Province chief Karuna Amman ordered them to return back to East and fight for him.
1992
30th Aug, Capturing first ever Patrol craft:
LTTE attacked Mandaitivu Naval Base (South of Jaffna city) and Sea Tigers were able to capture an Inshore Patrol Craft from Sri Lankan Navy.
It was a turning point for the Sea Tigers as this Patrol Boat helped LTTE manufacture its own version of several such Patrol Crafts.
1993:
18.08, Sinking first Dvora Class Fast Attack Craft
Image: LTTE chief with Gaddafi checks 20mm cannon and other guns captured by Sea Tigers during the first ever sinking Dvora Craft in Aug 1993.
In August 1993 Sea Tigers sunk a Dvora Fast Attack Craft. The highlight of the attack was that Sea Tigers were able to remove a 20mm Cannon from the sinking craft. It was the first 120mm Cannon LTTE(Sea Tigers) ever got.
Dvora Class( Fast Attack Craft) has its origin from Israel. During the early phase of Civil War Sri Lankan Government bought many such crafts for the Navy. Later they started to produce Dvora at their own Defence Manufacturing Plants in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Image: Super Dvora T80 Fast Attack Craft(FAC).
Dvora was the main attack craft of Sri Lankan Navy during the Civil War. As a result it was regularly targeted by Sea black Tigers. While the first Dvora was sunked in August 1993 the last Dvora sunked by Sea Tigers was reported in 30th April 2009. Totally 20 Dvoras were sunked by Sea Tigers during the Civil War.
Operation Frog ( தவளை பாய்ச்சல)
LTTE launched a combined land and Sea attack on Ponneryn Army Base and Nagadevanthurai Naval Base . So it was named as Operation Frog. Army was taken completely by surprise.
Image: Sengannan First Indian Black Tiger.
This battle also gave Eelam struggle its first Black Tiger from India. Sengannan a native of Satthur,Sivakasi(TN), India was part of the Black Tigers team which attacked the Palali Base.
Theepan led the attack on Ponneryn Army Base and Bhanu led the attack on the Nagadevanthurai Naval Base.
Image: Col.Bhanu
LTTE removed everything they got their hands on that includes:
- 2 Main Battle Tanks
- 3 Fast Attack Crafts
- Large stocks of ammunition.
These 3 attack crafts helped Sea Tigers to create a specialized separate fleet.
The two captured T55 Main Battle Tanks were also effectively used by LTTE for next 15+ years until the end of Civil War.
Image: LTTE T-55 tank moving towards frontline.
1994:
Sinking of Sagarawardene, largest Warship:
On 1994, Sea Black Tigers penetrated the Government waters and hit the Sagarawardene. At that time it was one of the two largest warships of SL Navy.
Image: Sagarawardene.
Sea Tigers captured SL Navy officer Boyagoda. He was the top ranked SL Military officer under LTTE's custody during the SL Civil War. He remained as a LTTE War prisoner from 1994–2002.
In his book Boyagoda confessed that while Government blame him and his colleagues for the sinking but it was an accurate Black Tiger attack and none of the officer onboard could do anything about that.
Image: Prabhakaran, Gaddafi and Soosai (inspecting weapons captured from the sunked Sagarawardene Warship.
1995
Sinking of Sooraya and Ransuru Warships
Image: LTTE chief with Santha one of the 4 LTTE deep sea divers who penetrated Trincomalee Harbour and sunk two warships.
Image: Soorya-Ranasuru
Finally Edithara sunked:
Image: Edithara.
In 1991 Edithara survived first Black Tiger attack but during the second attempt it was not lucky enough. On 16th July 1995 Deep sea divers sunked this large Command ship.
1996
Operation Unceasing waves I(ஓயாத அலைகள் ஒன்று)
Late 1995 saw LTTE expelled out of Jaffna. Government claimed that LTTE was destroyed and only 10% of its cadres had survived the offensive. But LTTE ran deep into jungles and used this time to regroup and increase ammunition.
They had become more fierce and more intelligent than ever. They launched Operation Unceasing Waves I in 1996.
After Operation Frog Jump(1993) this was another and even bigger combined land and sea attacks.
Image: LTTE cadres inside Mullaitivu base in 1996.
Sea Tigers blocked Navy from landing reinforcement troops. Within 3 days more than 1000 SL Soldiers were killed.
LTTE captured several artillery pieces which helped them in future military operations.
Image: Artillery pieces captured from Mullaitivu base in 1996 helped LTTE create a separate Artillery Unit.
2000
Historical Kudarappu Landing (March 2000):
In December 1999 LTTE launched Operation Unceasing waves 3(ஓயாத அலைகள் மூன்று) .
LTTE surrounded the strategically important Elephant Pass Garrison.
They captured the Kattaikadu Naval Base and blocked the Sea-Land Supply route to the Garrison. LTTE anti-aircraft unit secured the airfield in the area. The only supply route was A9 Highway.
The reinforcement Forces from Jaffna was sent to EPS. If those forces reached the Garrison LTTE would have faced the same defeat they faced 8 years ago during First Battle of Elephant Pass in 1991.
So LTTE chief prepared a strong team for a “behind enemy line” Operation.
To block the A9 Highway a large LTTE team had to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. To achieve such thing LTTE had to first land behind enemy lines through Sea. But Sea Tigers had not done such thing before. Most of their sea battles were either all-out Sea battles or black Tiger attacks. But this time they had to fight not only the Navy but also protect the land force and safely land them behind enemy lines.
Image:Soosai(2nd from right) with Sea Tigers preparing for the landing.
Balraj on a Suicide mission:
LTTE's deputy chief Brig. Balraj was given this deadly task. He was also informed that A9 Highway was the only way for then to return back. If Elephant Pass didn't fall then his troops would have no option but to die there helplessly.
Prabhakaran prepared a strong force of 1200 LTTE cadres which had teams from :
- Charles Anthony Brigade( led by Rajasingan)
- Malathi Brigade ( led by Vidusha )
- Sothiya Brigade (led by Thurga)
- Victor Anti-Tank Brigade (led by Ilangeeran)
On the evening of 26th March 2000 a large floatillas of Sea Tigers attack craft and gun boats started moving from Vettilankerni(Sea Tigers base) towards Kudarappu. As the boat reached few miles deep they faced huge resistance from the Navy.
Image:Memorial at the landing point at Kudarappu where first LTTE team landed on the night of 26th March 2000.
More than 16 Dvoras were deployed to intercept and block Sea Tigers from landing the troops. Huge battle broke in the middle of the Sea. Sea Tigers had to complete the landing before the dawn. After sunrise Navy would get the support of Air-Force. Amid all these difficulties Sea Tigers landed first Troops on the Kudarappu Coast at 8.45pm.
Image: LTTE held area at Ittavil.
Vatharayan Box: First team which landed was led by Balraj and they walk through lake, lagoon and wetlands and reached Ittavil. Soon they were joined by rest of the teams.
They captured 4 km of A9 Highway. They dig bunkers and centry points and secured the whole area. The whole area looked like a box and it was called Vatharayaan Box.
Image:Brig.Balraj
Balraj and his troops held this box for 34 days until the fall of Elephant Pass. Government forces uused all types of tactics from Air-raids, artillery shelling, huge number of tanks attacks,e tc. They changed their lead commanders thrrice but nobody can dislodge Balraj and his troops.
LTTE elite Charles Anthony Brigade fought fearlessly with all types of Commando attacks launched by SL special forces. As a result the Garrison was completely isolated.
EPS Garrison fell to LTTE on 23rd April 2000.
Image: Bhanu hoisting LTTE flag inside Elephant Pass Garrison.
No Port:
Sea Tigers didn't have any port in the LTTE controlled territory. So they used trailers to transport their Boats and hide them inside coastal area. This tactics helped them launch Sea Attacks from anywhere and anytime.
Image: Sea Tigers trailing a boat using tractor.
LTTE's International Shipping Fleet
Image: LTTE largest cargo ship found in Indonesia in 2009.
LTTE probably had the largest shipping fleet than any other militant groups.
The movement of their cargo ships was very secretive. No matter how hard the SL Government tried it was never able to locate these cargo ships and their routes. For more than 2 decades these ships were one of the important factors for the survival of LTTE.
As LTTE didn't has any port they used to anchor these large ships at International waters far away from Sri Lankan maritime borders. From there the arms and ammunition were unloaded to Sea Tigers boats and transported to LTTE controlled territory.
These floating warehouses wwere destroyed by SL Navy when USA ccame forward to help Sri Lanka in every possible way to destroy LTTE. With the help of powerful US Satellites CIA provided exact locations of these ships everytime they moved from their original place.
SEA TIGERS VESSELS and BOATS
Gunboats
SEA TIGERS EXPLOSIVES BOATS
Russian deep sea divers kit
Russian TORPEDOS
Human torpedo
Low profile human torpedo
Semi-submarines
Low profile Semi-submarine
Gokulan45
Gokulan24
Steel semi-submarine
Semi-submarines
SUBMARINES:
Single human submarine
Submarine hull
Image: Tourist on LTTE Submarine hull at a War memorial.
DEMISE
The last notable Sea Tigers activity was recorded on 4th May 2009 when Sea Tigers sunked an Inshore Patrol Craft off Mullaitivu coast.
After the death of Col.Soosai on 18th May 2009(last day of Civil War) the remaining SeaTigers were completely neutralized.
Image:Sea Tigers chief Soosai's home near Puthukudiyiruppu where he lived with his wife and children.
The World is yet to see such a sophisticated Non-state Navy which can be compared to Sea Tigers.
Sea Tigers motto reads:
Kadalile Kaaviyam Padaippom (கடலிலே காவியம் படைப்போம்) which loosely translates into “create history on Sea”
Indeed they created history on Sea. Whenever this World speak about best Non-state Navies these highly resourceful and daring men and women from Eelam will be remembered for many more decades to come.
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