Navy swiftly responds to bring ashore an ill fisherman for urgent treatment

The Sri Lanka Navy swiftly responded to bring ashore an ill fisherman and transfer him to hospital, for urgent medical attention this morning (19 Jan 25). The fisherman was aboard a multiday fishing trawler on the high seas off the south coast and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the retrieval of the fisherman.

The multi-day fishing trawler ‘Sinusha’ (IMUL-A-2195GLE), with seven crew from Galle, was fishing approximately 474 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka on 25 Dec 25 when a fisherman suffered severe chest pain. The developments prompted the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to alert the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, seeking immediate assistance.

The Navy, alerted by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, provided remote medical guidance (Tele Therapy) and directed the trawler towards the nearest harbor. Meanwhile, a naval craft was dispatched from the Southern Naval Command.

Subsequently, the patient was transferred at sea within Galle's Offshore Patrol Limits, given first aid aboard the naval craft, the ill fisherman was brought to Galle Harbour. He was then rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya for medical attention.

The Navy remains alert to such emergencies affecting the fishing and naval communities, in close coordination with MRCC Colombo.