Panaji, Jan 19 (IANS): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar Monday compared the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) New Year encounter with a suspected Pakistani terror boat off Porbandar coast to the 2000 terror attack on US warship at the port of Aden.

Speaking at an Indian Coast Guard function in the port town of Vasco, 45 km from Panaji, Parrikar said the ICG averted a major tragedy by its "alert" action during the festive time and it is better to neutralise the enemy from a distance.

"Some people asked me why you didn't allow them to come closer. I think with experiences like USS Cole in Aden port where even a small ship can damage a big ship and 26/11 terror attack, the further we neutralise enemy it is better," Parrikar said.

"They did the job perfectly though they didn't have to destroy it themselves. The people who were on the boat destroyed themselves," he added.

Parrikar also said the coastal security is the need of the hour and it is the joint responsibility of all stakeholders.

During a refuelling stop in the dock of Aden, the USS Cole was attacked by suicide bombers in a small explosives-laden boat. The explosion ripped a hole in the hull of the ship, killing 17 US sailors and leaving 39 injured.