Navy renders assistance to bring ashore ill fisherman for treatment

Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore an ill fisherman in the high seas and rushed him to hospital for treatment today (21st February 2022). The fisherman who was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler, in seas about 115 nautical miles (about 213 km) off the Galle Lighthouse, had suddenly fallen ill and was in need of medical attention.

The particular multiday fishing trawler ‘Raja 01’ (Reg No IMUL-A-0105 KLT) was on a fishing voyage leaving the Galle fisheries harbour on 08th February 2022. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, disseminated the situation of this ill fisherman, who was aboard the trawler, to the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters.

In response to a request for assistance, Sri Lanka Navy sent out the Fast Attack Craft P 485 of the 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Southern Naval Command to bring the ill fisherman ashore for treatment. Having taken over the patient, the Navy transferred him to the Galle Harbour administering first aid and subsequently he was rushed to the Karapitiya Hospital, Galle for further treatment.

Besides, 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.