Navy renders assistance to bring ashore fisherman with burn injuries for medical attention

The Sri Lanka Navy today (11th July 2023) rendered assistance to bring ashore a fisherman with burn injuries, sustained following an accident, while aboard a local multiday fishing trawler. The fisherman has experienced this unfortunate incident while at sea approximately 431 nautical miles (about 798km) off the coast of Galle, southwest of Sri Lanka.

The multiday fishing trawler named ‘Sachintha Putha’ (Reg. No. IMUL-A-0460 CHW) had set sail from the Negombo harbour for fishing on 22nd June, with five (05) crew members. Reportedly, the multiday fishing trawler collided with a foreign vessel on the high seas southwest of Sri Lanka where a fisherman who was on the local fishing trawler had suffered burn injuries due to an attack by the foreign vessel. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, located at the Navy Headquarters, about the developments.

Responding to the urgent situation, the Navy, at the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, made prompt arrangements to bring the wounded fisherman ashore. Accordingly, MRCC Colombo informed the Bulk Carrier ‘SPAR MIRA’ sailing in the same sea area to get the wounded fisherman aboard.

The Bulk Carrier responded to the MRCC Colombo’s information and retrieved the injured fisherman, bringing him on board. Instead of continuing its original course towards Singapore, the ship altered its route and sailed approximately 400 nautical miles to the southern sea area of Sri Lanka by this evening. Meanwhile, a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Southern Naval Command transferred the fishermen brought by SPAR MIRA’ and took him to the Galle harbour while administering first aid. He was then rushed to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle for further medical attention.

The Sri Lanka Navy continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.