First mission of SLNS ‘Gajabahu’: an ill fisherman rushed ashore for treatment

The Sri Lanka Navy sprang into action to bring ashore an ill fisherman for treatment today (17^th June 2019).

Based on information disseminated by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, SLNS ‘Gajabahu’ was sent out to retrieve the patient who had left for fishing aboard a multiday fishing vessel ‘Shan Putha 04’ from the Beruwala fisheries harbour on 09^th June2019.

Accordingly, the ill fisherman was safely taken aboard the naval vessel about 109 nautical miles off the Galle Lighthouse. The patient was administered first aid aboard the ship which even offers medical facilities. Subsequently, the ill fisherman was transferred to a Fast Attack Craft to rush him to the Galle harbour. Having brought him ashore the patient was hurried to the Teaching Hospital-Karapitiya for further treatment.

Meanwhile, this marked as the very first rescue operation undertaken by SLNS ‘Gajabahu’ after joining the Sri Lanka Navy fleet.