Navy renders assistance to bring ashore ill fisherman for treatment

Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore a fisherman who fell ill while at sea and rushed him to the hospital for treatment today (23rd September 2022). The fisherman who was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler, in seas about 65 nautical miles (about 120 km) northeast of the Foul Point, Trincomalee, had suddenly fallen ill and was in need of medical attention.

The multiday fishing trawler ‘Dinudiya’ (IMUL-A-1318 MTR) was on a fishing voyage having left the Nilwella Fishery Harbour on 07th August 2022, with 06 fishermen. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, disseminated the distress of this ill fisherman who was aboard the trawler off Point Pedro, to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters.

In response to a request for assistance, Sri Lanka Navy sent out SLNS Ranawickrama attached to the Eastern Naval Command to bring the ill fisherman for treatment. Having taken over the patient to the Navy’s ship on the night of 22nd September amidst rough sea condition, he was brought to the Trincomalee Harbour while administering first aid. Subsequently, he was rushed to the General Hospital, Trincomalee for further treatment today (23rd September 2022).

Accordingly, the Navy stays prepared to respond to eventualities of this nature, with a view to assist naval and fishing communities in distress in Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region.