Naval vessels of the Sea Tigers of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

By: Nane Chozhan

The Sea Tigers, the naval wing of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), functioned as a conventional maritime force rather than a guerrilla naval unit. At the outset of the Fourth Eelam War, the LTTE began officially referring to this formation as the “Tamil Eelam Navy” (தமிழீழக் கடற்படை / Tamiḻīḻak Kaṭaṟpaṭai), adopting a nomenclature parallel to that of their Tamil Eelam Air Force (TEAF).

Emerging in 1984, the Sea Tigers initially focused on maritime trade, troop transfers, and naval mine operations, operating like a naval guerrilla unit while avoiding direct confrontation with the Sri Lankan Navy. By 1990, they began developing a wide range of small, fast, and heavily armed boats capable of outmaneuvering the larger vessels of the Sri Lankan Navy.

Sea Tigers' fleet was organized into distinct classes with both inboard and outboard motor systems, and designs were constantly refined to meet tactical requirements. Unlike adapting civilian craft, the Tigers designed and built their vessels indigenously, including submarines, tailoring them for combat roles ranging from fast-attack craft to explosive-laden boats.

Image 1: Sea Pigeons, along with Ground Tiger soldiers, are travelling by boat from India to Tiger-controlled territory on February 19, 1986. Captain Lingam is seated on the port-side gunwale of the boat.

Image 2: Two Tiger soldiers stand guard on a shore while other Ground Tigers are being loaded into a small fishing boat by Sea Pigeons, 1986

Notably, from 1984 onwards, the LTTE’s naval wing operated under two main designations: the Sea Pigeons, responsible for maritime trade and transporting troops between India and Tiger-controlled areas of Tamil Eelam, and the Sea Tigers, tasked with naval mine operations. The wing officially adopted the name “Sea Tigers of Liberation Tigers” on September 19, 1991, although they were informally referred to as Sea Tigers throughout. The Sea Pigeons were later renamed and functioned within a unit called the Ship Unit (கப்பல் பிரிவு / Kappal Pirivu), which was part of the newly created Special Regiment (சிறப்புப் படையணி / Ciṟappup Paṭaiyaṇi) under Sea Tigers. A women’s division of the Sea Tigers was also established on March 1, 1992. Over the years, the Sea Tigers were further divided into multiple combat formations, each with its own flag (Refer to image below), reflecting their organized and hierarchical structure.

The Sea Tigers also fielded a specialized sea-borne suicide force, known as the Sea Black Tigers, who carried out both inshore and offshore attacks against Sri Lankan naval vessels. Just like other Black Tigers, Sea Black Tigers' suicide missions were also honoured as 'Self-Sacrifices' (T. தற்கொடை/Taṟkoṭai) in Tamil wartime ideology. Their insignia differed from that of the regular Sea Tigers, marking them as an elite and distinct formation. These cadres operated in two domains: above-water and underwater, employing explosive-laden craft and swimmer-delivered attacks to sink or disable enemy ships.

The first recorded above-water suicide attack occurred when 3 Sea Black Tigers - Major Kaantharupan, Captain Colins, Captain Vinoth - drove an explosive-laden craft into a surveillance command ship named Edithara off Valvettithurai, Jaffna, on July 10, 1990. The vessel was damaged and repaired later.

The first recorded underwater suicide attack took place at the Kankesanthurai harbour in Jaffna on August 16, 1994, where the LTTE succeeded in sinking the ship A 516. The resulting fire spread to a nearby tugboat, Dheera, which was also destroyed. During this mission, Sea Black Tigers' underwater operative Captain Angkayarkanni was killed—an event remembered as the formal beginning of the Tigers’ underwater assault campaign.

The Sea Black Tigers were originally classified into two groups: the Above-Water Attack Unit and the Underwater Attack Unit, a system that remained in place until 1996. After that, they were reorganized into two principal branches:

• Above-Water Attack Unit was divided into

  • Pukazharasan Sea Black Tigers Team

  • Sevvaanam Sea Black Tigers Team

• Underwater Attack Unit was divided into

  • Sulojan Underwater Swimming Team (renamed Kangkai Amaran Underwater Swimming Team in 2008)

  • Angkayarkanni Underwater Swimming Team

The Sea Tigers’ combat record began even before the 1990s. Tamil sources note that on February 7, 1986, a Sri Lankan inshore patrol craft was damaged after hitting a sea mine between Karainagar Naval Base and Kankesanthurai. Less than a month later, on March 3, 1986, patrol boat Model 118 was sunk near the Nainativu jetty after the Tigers detonated a remotely controlled sea mine. From 1990 onward, such incidents multiplied, with numerous Sri Lankan naval vessels captured, damaged, or destroyed.

The Sea Tigers’ first recorded underwater combat attempt took place on October 30, 1986, when they attempted to demolish a Sri Lankan naval craft anchored at Karainagar SLN base, Jaffna. However, the operation failed after the Tiger divers were spotted and killed by hurling hand grenades into the water. Two male Sea Tigers—Veeravengkai Sulojan and Veeravengkai Princely—were killed during the mission, and another operative, Chelva, returned to base after sustaining damage to his oxygen cylinder and goggles.

The first successful underwater operation, though unofficial, came years later on 19 September 1994. On that date, a team of Sea Tigers' underwater swimmers led by Sea Black Tiger Major Paran, including operative Major Inpanila, successfully infiltrated and placed charges beneath the Sri Lankan naval vessel SLNS Sagarawardana. The attack disabled the ship’s propellers, marking the very first successful attack mission of the Sea Tigers' underwater unit. This attack later helped the Sea Tigers to sink the vessel.

From the early 1990s onward, the Sea Tigers expanded their capabilities far beyond conventional patrols. They carried out amphibious warfare, arms procurement, large-scale fleet engagements, ground battles, fire support to ground troops, force protection, intelligence gathering, maritime patrols, naval boarding operations, and mid-sea transfers which lasted for days. Their repertoire also included raiding, special operations, tracking and underwater demolition. By combining indigenous naval engineering with an exceptionally wide operational scope, the Sea Tigers established themselves as one of the most innovative and effective de facto maritime forces in modern warfare.

In addition to engaging Sri Lankan Navy vessels, the Sea Tigers occasionally hijacked or sank commercial ships that supplied goods and facilitated trade for the Sri Lankan government. These operations occurred between 1995 and 1999, during the Third Eelam War. After the Sri Lankan Air Force’s supply capability was disrupted by the shooting down of two Avros in Jaffna on April 28 and 29, 1995, LTTE Central Committee member Lawrence Thilakar stated in 1996 that the naval vessels involved in Sri Lankan supply lines would be considered a legitimate target both within and beyond the Sri Lankan state. Most of these actions focused on disrupting the Sri Lankan Army’s supply routes in Jaffna, while the remainder targeted commercial trade to weaken the government economically. These operations demonstrate that the Sea Tigers’ actions were primarily militarily motivated rather than conducted for profit or piracy.

Their last recorded operation took place during the Battle of Kepapilavu on the early hours of May 17, 2009, when the Sea Tigers landed around 180 commandos near the lagoon shore in an attempt to break through the Sinhala Forces' defensive lines. This offensive operation was led by a Sea Tiger commander, Lt. Col. Sriram. The attack was repelled, resulting in a defeat and the sinking of one of their three small fishing vessels, along with a raft that had been attached to it to carry additional troops.

Over the course of its operations, the Sea Tigers established themselves as a resilient and effective adversary to the Sri Lankan Navy, maintaining this reputation until their final defeat at Vella Mullivaikkal. Until November 20, 2002, a total of 1,066 Sea Tigers were killed in ground and sea operations.

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The following document compiles the different classes of Sea Tiger boats, organized by their design and operational role. It includes the main class names, known subclasses, details on whether they used OBMS (Outboard Motor Systems) or IBMS (Inboard Motor Systems), along with reference images where available. Notes are added for each class to highlight distinctive features, variations, and tactical use. The aim is to create a clear reference point for understanding the diversity and evolution of Sea Tiger naval craft.

• Note: For clarity and ease of editing, the document has been divided into several parts, although it was initially composed as a single continuous document.

Edited October 26Oct 26 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

• Note: Plz click on the image for better quality

The fighting crafts of the Sea Tigers are called 'Sandai Vandi,' (meaning Fighter Wagon) in Tamil by the Sea Tigers.

Number	Class Name	Subclass	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Fast Gun Boats
1	Wave Rider* (They had the Hard-Chine Planing Hull with different subtypes)	Maathavi	OBM: 4x250 hp 5x200 hp		With Protective Bulwark:    Paranthaaman, Maathavi, Aathimaan (Oscar), Maruthan, Thenmozhi	5	Hull sub type: Flared Deep V Hull with pointed bow Length: 54 feet Breadth: 10 feet - Among these, Aathimaan (Oscar) was a commanding vessel of the Sea Tigers. - Rosa’s name was written both in Tamil and English, respectively, on its hull with white paint
					Without Protective Bulwark:    Isaiyarasi, Uthayachchelvi, Nedunchezhiyan, Ilanilaa, Kadalarasan	5
			IBM (3)		Without Protective Bulwark: Rosa	1
		Veengkai	OBM : 4x250 hp 5x200 hp		With Protective Bulwark:     Veengkai, Cheran, Mayuran	3	Hull sub type: Hybrid Hull Length: 54 feet Breadth: 11 feet - Indigenously produced Hull variant - Prasanth craft was used as a command vessel during offshore attacks.
					Without Protective Bulwark:     Erimalai, Poork, Rajmohan, (female name ends with 'Vi' sound)	4
			IBM (3)	Clear image of the hull:	Without Protective Bulwark: Vennilaa, Prasanth	2
		Mathan	OBM: 4x250 hp	Traces of the original Wave Rider name and symbol could still be seen on the steersman’s cabin of the boat, which bore the name Indumathi.	Without Protective Bulwark: Indhumathi, Kesavan, Mathan, Suhi, Aruna, Paarathithaasan	6	Hull sub type: Flam Deep V Hull Length: 13 m Breadth: ~10 feet - Kesavan was the third Wave Rider-class boat to be sunk at sea, on the night of October 7, 1999, along with its 13-man crew, which included then Sea Tigers deputy commander Lt. Col. Nirojan. - Mathan subclass is smaller in length and arms compared to the rest of the subclasses, making it the preferred subclass for transportation by trailer between the eastern and western coasts.
		(Subclass name lost in time)	IBM (3)	Bow view:	Without Protective Bulwark: (Craft names lost in time)	At least 1	Hull subtype: Flared Deep V Hull with blunt bow Length: Unknown Breadth: Unknown
		Varman	OBM: 4x250 hp 5x200 hp	As the cabin was removed "Wave Rider" name and symbol couldn't be seen in the craft named Varman Bow:	Without Protective Bulwark: Varman	At least 1	Hull subtype: Flam Modified V Hull Length: Unknown Breadth: Unknown
2	(Class Name lost in time)	-	OBM (3)	Bow: Stearn:	(The craft name is seen written on the hull, which is an indication that it was deployed in battles, but it is illegible.)	At least 1	This is a high-speed trimaran-type attack craft.
3	Winner	-	OBM: 3x200 hp 2x250 hp	Some of them had a cabin for the steerer.	Sutharsan, Mathu, Karuvizhi	10	- These were designed to reduce the vulnerability of the enemy's fire during naval battles. Length: 34 feet Breadth: 8.9 feet
		-	OBM: 2x250 hp	Another clear image: 'This first version is smaller in size when compared to the later mass-produced versions'	Parani	1	- A specially designed Winner-class boat, regarded as the first vessel of its class.
4	Vellai	-	OBM: 2x250hp	Bow: Deck:	(Craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- It had a cathedral hull.  - The difference between this vessel and the logistic-type Vellai-class vessel is that the side height has been reduced in the bow area.

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• Wave Riders:

* Wave Riders were the primary gunboats of the Sea Tigers after 1998. Though classified as Fast Gun Boats (FGBs) due to their reliance on machine guns, RCL and autocannons, the LTTE’s Wave Rider-class boats were offshore-capable. Some of these even fitted with an SPG-9 recoilless rifle (can be seen clearly on image 2). They fulfilled many of the operational roles typically associated with Fast Attack Craft (FACs), using wolfpack and swarm tactics and speed to offset their lack of missile systems. 

Image 1.1: The class name "Wave Rider" and its symbol are marked on the steerer's cabin on the craft named Maathavi.

Image 1.2: The class name "Wave Rider" and its symbol are marked on the steerer's cabin of the craft named Cheran.

Image 2: The Wave Rider class vessel of the Sea Tigers with an SPG-9 RCL on its deck.

One of the two OBM subtypes within the Maathavi and Veengkai subclasses incorporated an integrated protective bulwark system to enhance crew survivability and operational efficiency. In contrast, the corresponding IBM variants of these subclasses did not feature a protective bulwark.

This bulwark was built low enough to reduce the crew’s exposed profile, making them somewhat harder to hit while still giving them full access to operate the weapon effectively. This configuration provides ballistic and fragmentation protection against eye-level small-arms fire and shrapnel, while not restricting movement. 

At the bow side of the main gun of the Maathavi subclass, there was a half-moon-shaped raised guard, acting as a splash or splinter shield (see image 3). This gave the gunner extra protection from high-velocity impacts, spray when running at speed, and fragments from incoming rounds, while keeping the gun’s field of fire clear.

Image 3.1: A clear inner view of a half-moon-shaped raised guard and bulwark on the bow of a Sea Tigers' Wave Rider class vessel. Image courtesy: Aruchuna Photography Unit of the LTTE.

Image 3.2: A clear outer view of a half-moon-shaped raised guard, steel guardrails and anchor on the bow of a Sea Tigers' Wave Rider class vessel. Image courtesy: Aruchuna Photography Unit of the LTTE.

On top of the bulwark, steel guardrails were fitted (see image 3.1). These served as grab rails and safety barriers, giving the crew something to hold onto during high-speed maneuvers or in rough seas. These also help to prevent accidental slips or falls overboard, even when moving at full speed during combat.

Image 4.1: A clear inner view of the cabin of the "Indhumathi" vessel. The entrance to the bottom deck can be seen. Inside it, there were ammunition and other equipment for the crew.

The cabins had one seat for the steerer to be seated. The cabin views can be seen in the images starting with series number 4.

Image 4.2: A clear inner view of the cabin of a Wave Rider class vessel steered by female cadres. Additionally, rexine coverings were also fitted inside the cabin to protect essential equipment. These were folded when not required.

Image 4.3: A clear interior view of the cabin of a Wave Rider–class vessel shows male cadres at the helm, including the steerer and the boat’s commanding officer. The cabin windows were fitted with a rexine-type protective sheet to shield against rain and water splashes.

The gun mounts were classified mainly into three categories: a large forward mount located at the bow for the primary weapon system, medium mounts designed for .30/.50-calibre and AGL guns, and smaller mounts intended for PK-type machine guns.

Image 5.1: This image clearly shows a few types of gun mounts on the Wave Rider class boats and also the inner view of the cabin. But there are other types of gun mounts, too.

Image 5.2: Gun mount of an AGL. Image credits: www.army.lk

Image 5.3: A gun mount stabilizer is used to maintain the weapon in a fixed and stable position during firing, minimizing recoil-induced movement and ensuring accurate, controlled fire.

Image 5.4: A raised gunner’s platform is provided to allow personnel to stand and operate the weapon effectively. It features an access hatch that can be opened to enter the hull for maintenance or repairs when required.

The first combat losses of the Wave Rider class occurred during the naval battle that began on the night of January 11, 1999. In the early hours of January 12, two Wave Rider–class boats—whose names remain unknown—were destroyed while escorting a supply convoy from Trincomalee to the Vanni. One, commanded by Lt. Col. Erimalai, was sunk off Kuchchaveli; the other, under Lt. Col. Aathimaan (Oscar), was lost off Pulmoddai. Including these two, the Sea Tigers operated a total of 30 Wave Rider–class Fast Gun Boats.

Image 6: Sri Lankan Navy's Wave Rider class boats. Image courtesy: Sri Lankan Navy

After salvaging the sunken Indumathi—a Wave Rider–class craft of the Mathan subclass—in Point Pedro around June 2007, the Sri Lankan Navy replicated the design and introduced their own version. This version was also named Wave Rider. These boats entered battlefield deployment by 2008.

Although based on Sea Tigers’ designs, the Navy’s copies were technologically more advanced. They were powered by inboard motors and retained the distinctive half-moon–shaped raised guard at the bow, though its height was too short to provide real protection. Unlike the original, the stern and midsection of the hull lacked a bulwark. The SL Navy’s Wave Riders were also longer in length (13.7 m), like the Mathan subclass boats (13 m long). The overall deck structure closely resembled the mix of the UK’s Water Jet–class vessel and the Sea Tigers' Wave Rider-class vessel.

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Edited November 30Nov 30 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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The Sri Lankan military referred to these boats as 'Inshore Patrol Crafts' when they were in their service. However, with the LTTE, they remained classified as Fast Gun Boats (FGBs) and were used in the same manner. Since these boats were captured from the Sri Lankan Navy, I have listed them separately.

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Inshore Patrol Crafts
1	K-71	OBM (4)		Nimal	1	Captured from the Sri Lankan Navy by the Sea Leopards Team (Naval Commando unit of the Sea Tigers) on Feb 18, 1999, during a raid on the SLN Kilali base.
2	Water Jet (Nicknamed "Bus" by the Tamil and the Sinhala navy.)	OBM (3)		1) Thanikaimaaran	2	All of which were captured from the SLN. By early 1994, Sea Tigers had 4 crafts.  - Paamaa, commanded by Lt. Col. Maathavi, was the first of its class to sink, going down in Kankesanthurai port on July 16, 1995. Lt. Col. Maathavi was the special commander of the Sea Tigers' then women's division. - Cha###, commanded by Lt. Col. Nimal alias Nimalan, was the second to sink, during a naval battle at Chundikulam sea on March 30, 1996. Photographic evidence indicates that the remaining two were still operational during the historic Kudarappu Landing operation, which commenced on March 26, 2000, and engaged in it:
				2) It had a 4-letter Tamil name beginning with “Cha” and was mostly painted in blue camouflage.
		IBM (2)		1) Paama.	2
				2) Nee - 004

Edited October 16Oct 16 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	Subclass	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Fast Inshore Attack Boats
1	Kuruvi		OBM (1)		Kumarappaa, Pulendran, Abdullah, Nalan, Jeevaa	11	- The first manufactured class of boats in the de facto Tamil Eelam - In the early stages, they were for personal transfer and later converted to attack boats. - Kumarappaa and Pulendran were later used as inshore bomb-laden vessels.
2	Super Sonic	(Subclass Name lost in time)	OBM: 1x200 hp - 1 gun 2x200 hp - 2 guns		Sithamparam, Jeyanthan, Rakuvappaa	4	- Sri Lankan Navy’s Cedric class boats were manufactured based on this class’s design.
		(subclass Name lost in time)	OBM (1)	Modified to be an explosive-laden vessel:	(Craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- In the early stages, this was used for attacks and later converted into an explosive-laden vessel.
3	(Class Name lost in time)		OBM (2)		(Craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- Used mainly during the 2nd Eelam War.
4	Sudai		OBM (2)	Stearn:	Kathiroli	5	- These were the earliest class of larger fighter boats produced by the LTTE in the de facto Tamil Eelam. - The first boat was commissioned in 1994, built by Mangkai Boat Building Yard. Its image is provided in the image column, but the craft name of the first boat is unknown. Length: 40 feet - Used mainly during the 2nd and 3rd Eelam War. One of these boats was used as a bomb-laden craft in 1998 due to an emergency.

Edited November 12Nov 12 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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The supply and logistics boats are called 'Viniyoka Vandi' (meaning: a Sanksrit origin word meaning Distribution Wagon) in Tamil by the Sea Tigers. The logistics were nicknamed 'Thiraviyam' (meaning: a Sanskrit origin word meaning Things)

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Supply Boats
1	Sakadai	OBM (2)	Another boat named "Oviya":	Nedumaaran, Chengkannan, Oviya	6	- Used to deliver ammunition and other essential supplies to the combat craft during naval battles. - Move equipment from one shore to another.

Edited October 4Oct 4 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	Subclass	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Logistics boats
1	(Class Name lost in time)	-	OBM (up to 4)		Anpumaaran	At least 2	- Used for solely armed personnel transport on sea and river.
2	Thirukkai	-	OBM (2)		Deesal	5	(Looks similar to Vellai class, but different.) - They were used as personnel and logistic transportation crafts from North TE to South TE and vice versa - Also used as attack crafts, especially during the 2nd Eelam War. - During wartime, they were fitted with rams and explosives to destroy their cargo in emergencies, but were never used.
3	Vellai	-	OBM (2)	Bow hull view: Outer View: Inner View: An upgraded version (cabin had glass) was used in the 4th Eelam War:	Colins, Vinoth, Theepan, Tharsan, Makesvari, Vaaman, Lakshman, Nalayini, Mangkai, Annachchi	9+ (Another 2 were captured before procuring to TE.)	- Primarily used for logistics (5 tons) and midsea transfer. - Secondarily, often as a bomb-laden craft. - The first Vellai-class boat was captured in Dec 12/13 1990 in Pinang, Malaysia; two with 3×150HP engines were seized during the MV Sun Bird arrest.
4	Kfir	(Subclass name lost in history)	OBM (2)		(Craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- Used to carry stripped equipment from enemy vessels and for mid-sea transfer.
5	(Class Name lost in time)	-	OBM (3)		(Craft names lost in time)	2	- Used to carry 2 Tons of cargo or Personnel.  Length: 31.3 feet Width: 7.5 feet
6	Wave Rider	Kumudhan	IBM (3)	View from stern: View from bow: Image credits: Nane Chozhan.	Kumudhan and Irumporai	2	- Used for logistic transfer (These 2 images were created using different screenshots from videos .)
7	Mirage	-	OBM (4)		Rakini, Chiththiraa, Ilangkeesvaran, Sengkodi, Kaamini, Ilanthaarakai, Muththumani	7	- These boats (OBMs) could carry up to 4,000 kg of cargo or 40 armed personnel, along with the boat’s main and rear weapons. IBMs carry fewer compared to these.  - During wartime, they were fitted with rams and explosives to destroy their cargo in emergencies, but were never used. - Kaamini and Ilanthaarakai are command vessels, and each boat is armed with 2x twin-barreled 14.5mm and 2x .50mm. - Sengkodi was the first vessel of this class to be commissioned, in 1996 Length: 37 feet Breadth: 8.9 feet
			IBM (2 x 496 HP) with 4 1000-litre diesel tanks		Nathiyarasi, Theekkathir	3
			OBM (4)	Stearn:	(craft name lost in time)	1	- A specially designed, same-shaped (but shorter length on the stern), Miraj-class boat for an unknown intent.  Length: 30 feet Breadth: 8.9 feet
8	Mostly procured from outside the LTTE-controlled areas. Thus, class names are lost in history	-	IBM (2/3)		Kadalpuraa	Unknown	These are fishing trawlers of different sizes and shapes. - Used for logistics transfer from ships to shore and shore to shore - Also used for offshore fishing, where they fish and sell it to the Tamil fishermen for lower prices in case they cannot go fishing due to the Sinhala navy blockades.
					Tongnova
					(craft name lost in time)
					Maruthu
					Anthoni
9	(Class Name lost in time)	-	OBM(3)		(craft name lost in time)	1	Operated from the 2nd Eelam War onwards.  - Used for personnel transportation between TN and TE.

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Logistics boats - Under Construction (Outside of de-facto Tamil Eelam)
1	(Class Name lost in time)	IMB (Unknown)	Bow: Stearn:	(Craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- This was made of special steel - Seized at Munambam yard, Kochi, Kerala, on March 4, 2008, by Q-branch police of TN Length: 72 feet

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Logistics Boat - Under Construction - Inside Tamil Eelam
1	Not named	OBM (3x250 Hp)		Not named	1	Intended to be used for midsea transfer.

Edited November 12Nov 12 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Landing Craft Utility
1	(Class Name lost in time)	OMB (2)		(Craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- This was made of fibreglass

Edited September 28Sep 28 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Remote Control Vessel
1	(Class Name lost in time)	Unknown	Not available	Unknown	At least 1	- It was used at least once, in March 2009, according to a Sea Tiger Lt. Col. ranked cadre from whom I obtained the information when I was inside the Mullivaikkal in 2009.

Edited September 2Sep 2 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Landing Barge
1	(Class Name lost in time)	OBM (8)		(Craft names lost in time)	8 (by June 2001)	- These are barges used for mid-sea transfer and are made of steel. - These had a ramp to disembark vehicles
2	(Class Name lost in time)	OBM (unknown)	(Image lost in time)	(Craft name lost in time)	1	- Solely designed for mid-sea transfer of long-range artillery.

Edited August 29Aug 29 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Trainer Boats
1	-	2 Paddle		-	At least 1	Kayaks - Used for instructing Underwater Swimmers during training sessions in the early 1990s.
2	Kutty Mirage	OBM (1)		Sempirai, Veeman	5	- Used to train “Above-Water Attack” Sea Black Tigers to steer boats tactically and ram them. - During the last stages of the 4th Eelam War, 3 of them were utilized as bomb-laden crafts; one of them was captured after a failed mission. - Among the rest of the 2, one was captured inside a boat repair yard, and the other (craft name: Veeman) was captured near a house by the invading SLA.
		OBM (1)		(Craft name lost in time)	1	- Specially designed boat - Just like Kutty Mirage, this is also a 3-seater trainer boat.

Edited September 22Sep 22 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	Subclass	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Special Operation Boats
1	Rubber Boat	-	OBM (1)		Some were nicknamed and others were not.	Unknown	- These are used by the Sea Leopards Team and Ground Black Tigers for special operations. - During the historic Kudarappu Landing, large numbers were used to land behind the enemy lines.
2	(Class Name lost in time)	-	Paddle		Some were nicknamed and others were not.	3	- Can be easily carried by a squad  - Used for infiltration purposes
3	Kadarsuraa	-	OBM (1)		(Craft names lost in time)	2	- Used for special missions - One was used up on a classified mission, and another one was captured by the invading SLA in 1995 Length: 17.3 feet Width: 3 feet
4	Kfir (Also known as Kipir or Kavir, colloquially as Tamil doesn't have the F sound)	Stealth 23'	OBM (2)	With a squad:	Stealth 23' Tamil Eelam	1	- Fast squad carrier of 23' long. - Specially designed Kfir-class stealth boat.
5	(Class Name lost in time)	-	OBM (1)		(Craft names lost in time)	At least 1	- Used for infiltrations. - Hull is made from thermocol.

Edited October 17Oct 17 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Fast Multipurpose Craft
1	Manufactured in Sri Lanka: Cey Nor Dhanusha Marine, Blue Star Marine, Neil Marine, Shaane, Diyakawa Marine, Sea Sealanie,	OBM (1)	The following are examples of each category: As a bomb-laden craft: As an attack craft: 'This was sunken in Feb 2007, while escorting a trawler from TN, India, to de facto TE and later salvaged by SLN' As a ceremonial craft: Used to carry Sea Tigers during inshore ceremonial events. As a transport craft: 'Captured by SLN in the year 2007'	Some were named, while many were not.	50+	These are fishing dinghies  - These are specially modified with cradle mount and a helmsman seat & control station; Used for logistics transfer (TN to TE), inshore to land attacks and as bomb-laden vehicles (rarely - 3 missions. From the recorded history, the Cey Nor class boat was the first ever of such a type to be used for a Black Tiger attack.) - Non-modified ones; Used for landing and infiltration. Also used for inshore fishing, where the Sea Tigers fish and sell it to Tamil fishermen at lower prices in case they cannot go fishing due to the Sinhala navy blockades. - The transportation purpose includes, but is not limited to, mid-sea transfer, transportation of goods from India to the de facto Tamil Eelam - These boats were also used by the Cheran Marine Attack Team to launch attacks on the Sri Lankan navy
		IBM (1)	As a transport/fishing craft:	Some were named, such as Annai Velangkanni (fishing craft), while many were not.
2	Manufactured in de facto Tamil Eelam: (Class names lost in time)	OBM (1)	The following are examples of each category from the available images: As a bomb-laden craft: As a transport/fishing craft: 'Found inside the Tigers' boatyard located in Theraavil, Mullaitivu'	Some were named, such as Thiyakan (bomb-laden craft; first pic), while many were not.

Edited August 29Aug 29 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	Subclass	IBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Personnel Water Crafts
1	Yamaha WaveRunner	FX140	4-stroke engine		Not named	2	Procured Water Scooter
		500	2-stroke		Not Named	1	Procured Water Scooter
		??	??		Not Named	1	Procured Water Scooter

It is speculated that a considerable number of PWCs of unknown class were destroyed at sea during the destruction of the Tigers’ floating warehouses.

Edited October 5Oct 5 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Usage Unknown crafts
1	(Class Name lost in time)	OBM (1/2)		(Craft names lost in time)	1	- It has an unusual structure inside, a radar is fixed, and it has a cradle mount too.
2	(Class Name lost in time)	OBM (1)		Isaimaran	1	- It was a fiberclass catamaran with a steering control station.
3	(Class Name lost in time)	Paddle		(Craft names lost in time)	1	- Flat-bottom boats
4	Not named	IBM (2)	Image not available	Not named	1	- Captured in Malaysia during the arrest of MV Sun Bird
5	Not named	OBM (4)	Image not available	Not named	1	- Captured in Muang district, Thailand, in April 2000. - This is around 17m long. Reference: UPI Archives, June 2, 2000, Thai authorities recover Sri Lankan rebel sub, RAVI R. PRASAD
6	Not named	OBM: Unknown		Not named	1	Captured in a southern island in the Phuket province, Thailand, June 2000. - From the look, it looks like a Fast Gun Boat.
7	Not named	OBM: Unknown		Not named	1	Captured in a southern island in the Phuket province, Thailand, June 2000. - From the look, it looks like a logistic craft. It might have been used to transfer cargo from shore to ship
8	Not named	OBM: Unknown		Not named	1	Captured in a southern island in the Phuket province, Thailand, June 2000.

Edited October 1Oct 1 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Midget Submarines
1	(Class Name lost in time)	IBM		(craft name lost in time)	1	- Looks like it was repaired
2	(Class Name lost in time)	IBM		(craft name lost in time)	1	- Looks like it was repaired
3	Not named	OBM (1)	Captured by SLA in Jaffna: Found in Thailand:	Not named	2	- Construction of both prototype submarines was completed at the time of capture by the SLA - One was captured in Valvettithurai, Jaffna, in the year 1995 by the Sri Lankan Navy. - Another one was captured in Racha Yai Island, Thailand. It was around 5 m long, just like the one found in 1995 (Refer: thethaiger, June 3, 2000, Mystery mini-sub found on Koh Sirae) Length: 18.7 feet Width: 3.5 feet Height: 4.6 feet

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total in construction	Note
Midget Submarines under construction
1	Not named	IBM			1	- Captured in Thailand
2	Unknown	Unknown		Unknown	1	- A part of an underwater craft suspected to be a submarine
3	Not named	Unknown		Not named	1	- Plz compare this submarine's casing with HMCS Ojibwa's casing for more visualization. Reference: “Under the Casing.” Flashback Friday, HMCS Ojibwa Museum, n.d., www.hmcsojibwamuseum.ca/flashback-friday--news/under-the-casing. Accessed 2025-09-11.
4	Not named	Unknown		Not named	1

'The yard where subs and LPVs captured in Thailand | Screenshot from the Getty Images.

Edited October 17Oct 17 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Semi-Submersibles
1	(class name lost in time)	IBM		(craft name lost in time)	1
2	(class name lost in time)	IBM		(craft name lost in time)	1
3	(class name lost in time)	IBM		MS 380	1
4	Kokulan	IBM		Kokulan 2-93	1	Captured in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, in the year 1993
			Image credits: HI Sutton	Kokulan - 24 2008	1
			Image credits: HI Sutton	Kokulan - 45 2008	1
4	(class name lost in time)	IBM	Image Credits: HI Sutton	Satheesh	1	- Its craft name was written in Tamil (big letters) and English (small letters)

• Inside view of No.1 :

• Inside view of Kokulan class Kokulan - 45 2008:

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total in construction	Note
Semi-Submersibles under construction
1	Not named	IBM	Original image: Image credits: HI Sutton Image credits: HI Sutton	Not named	1
2	Not named	IBM		Not named	1	Length: 25.2 feet Width: 3 feet Height: 9.5 feet
3	Not named	IBM	Image credits: HI Sutton	Not named	1

• Inside view of No.1:

Inside view of No.3:

Edited October 17Oct 17 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Low Profile Vessels
1	(class name lost in time)	IBM (2)		Uduruvi 2006-01	1
2	(class name lost in time)	OBM (2)	'This craft was beached after the steerer was killed by SLN on Dec 27, 2008'	Pazhani (!?)	6	Used to transfer fuel from Ships to shore. - Pazhani was the first craft to sink. - Fitted with ram and explosives to avoid capture.
3	(class name lost in time)	IBM		(craft name lost in time)	1
4	(class name lost in time)	IBM (1)		(craft name lost in time)	1	This is a trimaran made of special steel.  - Used for logistic transportation
5	Not Named	IBM (1)		Not named	1	- This is a catamaran-type LPV Barge - This was captured in a boatyard belonging to a Tamil in Thailand, along with other submersibles.

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total in construction	Note
LPVs under construction
1	Not named	IBM (1)		Not named	1

Edited October 23Oct 23 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Low Profile Very Slender Vessel
1	(Class Name lost in time)	IBM	For size comparison: During a military exhibition by SLA'	(craft name lost in time)	1
2	(Class Name lost in time)	IBM		(craft name lost in time)	1

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total in construction	Note
LP VSVs under construction
1	Not named	IBM (1)	Imagined finished structure | Img. credits: HI Sutton Real image:	Not named	1

Edited September 5Sep 5 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Manually Powered Paddle Boards - Under construction
1	Most likely not named, as they have not moved out of the construction yard	-	'5 different types of boards can be seen' Not much is known about this board as it's unfinished	Most likely not named, as they have not moved out of the construction yard	7

Edited September 20Sep 20 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Diver Propulsion Vehicle
1	(class name lost in time)	-		(craft name lost in time)	1	- Indigenously produced DPV
2	M-tex	-		-	At least 2	Procured
3	Sea-Doo	-		-	8+	Procured
4	APOLLO AV-1	-	The orange DPVs shown in the images above, located in the third row.	-	2+	Procured

It is widely speculated that a few of these Diver Propulsion Vehicles were destroyed at sea while being transported into de facto Tamil Eelam. In addition, Sea Tigers also possessed a large number of underwater equipment, including IDA71 rebreathers, AQUACOM STX-101 SSC units, BAUER Mariner 200 air compressors, and more.

Sea Tigers also used a few improvised underwater breathing rigs, likely for infiltration, made by combining two oxygen tanks and an IDA71 rebreather on a mounting tray, similar to the one shown below.

Image 1: improvised underwater breathing rigs

*****

Edited October 6Oct 6 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

Sea Black Tigers Vessel

The following reply boxes in this forum thread will cover the different types and classes of Sea Black Tigers vessels that were used. The explosive-laden crafts used by them are called 'Sakkai Vandi.' (meaning Explosive Wagon) in Tamil by the Sea Tigers.

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Human Torpedoes - Under Construction
1	Not named	IBM	Img. Credits: HI Sutton Real image:	Not named	1
2	Not named	IBM		Not named	1
3	Not named	IBM		Not named	1	- The vertical tube in the middle is a crude periscope or snorkel for the operator. - The cutout in the mid-section is where the operator would sit.

Edited September 20Sep 20 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Manned Explosive Float/ MEF
1	(Class Name lost in time)	OBM (1)	Front side: Rear side: 'A Sea Black Tiger waving one last time before going for a mission with his MEF'	(craft name lost in time)	At least 1	- A small surface explosive cylinder that floats (an LPV) on the water, is propelled by a 2 HP outboard motor (OBM), and guided by a diver/ operator toward its target. It's not a torpedo. Length: 8.2 feet Breadth: 3.8 feet

Edited October 17Oct 17 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Low Profile Vessels
1	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)		(craft name lost in time)	At least 1
2	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)	1) 2)	(craft name lost in time)	At least 2
3	(class name lost in time)	IBM (1)	1) 2)	(craft name lost in time)	At least 2

Edited September 20Sep 20 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Low Profile Planing Trimaran
1	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)	1) 2)	(craft name lost in time)	At least 2	The Sri Lankan military captured all of these in damaged condition
2	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)		(craft name lost in time)	At least 1
3	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)		(craft name lost in time)	At least 1

Edited September 1Sep 1 by நன்னிச் சோழன்

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Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Low Profile Tritoon
1	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)	1-3) Bow: Stearn: 4)	(craft name lost in time)	At least 4	- Blue ones: SLN captured one after a failed attempt. 2 others were used up on this same mission to sink the MV Nimalawa and to damage the MERCS Ruhunu. - Ash: It was captured by SLA in the Mullivaikkal - The explosives are in the middle cylinder
2	(class name lost in time)	OBM (1)		(craft name lost in time)	At least 1

Number	Class Name	IBM/OBM (No. of Engines)	Image	Craft Names  (discovered so far)	Total built	Note
Low Profile Tritoon - Under Construction
1	Not named	IBM		Not named	At least 1

Edited September 22Sep 22 by நன்னிச் சோழன்