Navy renders assistance to bring ashore ill fisherman for treatment

The Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore a fisherman, who fell ill while at sea, and rushed him to the hospital for treatment on the night of 17th February 2023. The fisherman who was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler in seas about 5.3 nautical miles (about 09 km) east of Hambantota had suddenly fallen ill and was in need of medical attention.

The multiday fishing trawler ‘MAKSEEN 8’ (IMUL-A-1058 TLE) was on a fishing voyage having left the Tangalle Fisheries Harbour on 17th February 2023 with 06 fishermen. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, disseminated the distress of this ill fisherman, who was aboard the trawler off Hambantota, to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters and requested assistance to transfer him ashore.

In response to a request for assistance, the Sri Lanka Navy sent out the Inshore Patrol craft P 227 attached to SLNS Kawanthissa in the Southern Naval Command, to bring the ill fisherman promptly. Having taken over the patient to the Inshore Patrol Craft about 5.3 nautical miles (about 09 km) east of Hambantota amidst rough sea condition, he was brought to the Port of Hambantota while administering first aid. Subsequently, the patient was rushed to the General Hospital, Hambantota for further treatment on the night of 17th February.

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