Kochi: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of Indian Navy crashed near the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Tuesday.

According to the officials, the UAV was on a routine training session and it crashed reportedly following an engine failure by 10.30 am. However, the incident raised a security concern as the Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu is to arrive at the Naval Airport for a two-day visit to Kochi by 12 am.

Sources said a major tragedy was averted as the crash site was near to a bulk liquid terminal near the base.

According to the officers, the Navy has ordered an inquiry into the incident. The vehicle manned by remote control system being used to carry out surveillance over ocean borders.

The exact reason behind the crash is yet unknown, said the officers.