A group of nine Sri Lankan sailors were deported to the country last night after they allegedly assaulted a senior officer of a foreign vessel off the Magagascar coast in the north seas. 

The group who were under the influence of alcohol had allegedly beaten up the Chief Mate of the Panama flagged ship some time last week, Ranjan Perera with the National Union of Seafarers said.

He added that the alleged incident had taken place during a party on board the vessel.

The union is currently taking steps to re instate the crew and talks are currently underway with the relevant company towards this end, Mr. Perera, who is also the Inspector Transport Workers Federation, added.