Colombo - Tamil rebels launched a suicide attack on two merchant ships off a harbour in northern Sri Lanka causing considerable damage to the hull of one of the ships Wednesday morning, the Defence Ministry said.

The ships, carrying essential supplies for civilians in the north. came under attack off Kankesanthurai harbour, 410 kilometres north of the capital.

Navy spokesman Commander DKP Dassanayke said that three LTTE suicide vessels came for the attack and one of the boats exploded close to the merchant ship Nilwala causing damage.

Sailors opened fire on the boats, destroying one and capturing one, but the operator of the boat was believed to be killed, he said.

The Defence Ministry said that the attack was an attempt to disrupt the dispatch of food and other essential items for civilians in the north.

There was no immediate comment from the rebels about the attack. (dpa)