Sri Lankan navy on Monday destroyed a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam vessel off the island's east coast and captured another in an encounter.

The rebel boats, which were spotted in the waters off the main eastern seaport of Trincomalee, had opened fire on the military vessels leading the navy to retaliate.

Initial reports said one vessel had been completely destroyed while the other was damaged in the attack. The navy found a body and rifles on board. A search operation is being conducted in the area, the military said.