By KUNA,

New Delhi : A Sri Lankan Navy's logistic supply vessel was sunk Saturday through underwater explosion triggered by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in an harbour at Trincomalee, ahead of provincial elections.

"Sri Lankan Navy's logistic supply ship - A520 - at the Ashraff harbour in Trincomalee was sunk in an underwater sea explosion early this morning. Crew members are, however, safe," Navy spokesman Commander DKP Dassanayake told Indo Asian News Service.

The navy has launched a search operation in the area, the news agency said.

The LTTE has claimed responsibility for the attack.

"A-520, was sunk by the Sea Tigers Black Tiger underwater naval commandos in Trincomalee this morning," the pro-LTTE Tamilnet website reported, quoting a rebel source.

The explosion occured hours before Sri Lanka's eastern province went into to polls to elect a maiden provincial council.

Last night, at least 11 civilians were killed and 29 injured in a LTTE-triggered bomb blast in the eastern Amaparai district.