Navy brings ashore ill fisherman in coordination with MRCC Colombo

The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman who was in distress while aboard a local multi day fishing trawler, about 200 nautical miles (370km) off Galle. The fisherman was retrieved by SLNS Vijayabahu mid sea, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore on 24th July 2024, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, for medical attention.

The local multi day fishing trawler “Suranga 04” (Reg No. IMUL-A- 2391 TLE) was reported to have left the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour with 06 fishermen on 09th June 2024, on a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters that a crew member onboard the fishing trawler was in distress at sea and requested Navy’s assistance to transfer him ashore for treatment.

In response to the request for assistance, the Navy dispatched SLNS Vijayabahu to the trawler's location to provide aid, through the coordination of MRCC Colombo. As such, the naval ship retrieved the fisherman and brought him to the Galle Harbour today, while administering first aid. Subsequently, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya for medical attention.

The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka's search and rescue jurisdiction, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.