Navy brings ashore an ill fisherman for treatment

Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman and transfer him to hospital for treatment on the night of 16th March 2022. The fisherman was suffering from chest pain while aboard a local multiday fishing vessel which was about 24 nautical miles (approx. 44km) east of Hambantota.

The fishing vessel ‘Nuwanthi 1’ from which the patient was retrieved left the Galle fisheries harbour on 24th February 2022 for fishing practice. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, has informed the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters, about a fisherman who was down with chest pain, while aboard.

In response to a request for assistance, Sri Lanka Navy directed the Fast Attack Craft P 422 of 4th Fast Attack Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Southern Command to the location of the fishing vessel to retrieve the patient. Upon transferring the ill fisherman to the Fast Attack Craft, he was brought to the port of Hambantota, administering first aid. Subsequently, the patient was rushed to the Hambantota General Hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, the Navy remains alert to respond to this nature of eventualities around the clock, with a view to assist naval and fishing communities in distress in Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region.