Navy saves ‘Jumbo’ in dramatic rescue at sea
 

A group of naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command saved an elephant caught in a current in the seas about 8 Nm off Kokkuthuduwai, Kokilai yesterday morning (July, 11).

The elephant dragged away by current was initially noticed by a Fast Attack Craft on routine patrol in the aforesaid sea area. Thereupon, another Fast Attack Craft on patrol and a team of navy divers were promptly directed to the location by the Navy. Stepping up the rescue effort, 2 more Cedric Boats along with 7 naval personnel attached to the Rapid Action Boat Squadron were also dispatched for the ‘Jumbo’ rescue mission.

A group of officials from the Department of Wildlife also joined this humongous task providing necessary instruction which became extremely vital in the rescue mission. Accordingly, they were able to carefully direct the elephant towards the coast from the deep sea, by means of ropes. Having safely guided the elephant to the Yan Oya area in Pulmodai , the animal was handed over to the Wildlife officials for onward action.