Indian fishermen rescued from distressed trawler in northern waters handed over to Indian Navy

The two (02) fishermen who were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy on 31st July 2024 from the Indian fishing trawler that sunk due to an accident in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island Jaffna, and the body of one (01) fisherman, who passed away while being admitted to Punguduthiv Hospital, Jaffna for treatment, were handed over to the Indian Naval Ship 'INS BITRA' on 02nd August 2024 by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between India and Sri Lanka.

Having spotted Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft Island, Jaffna, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed its craft in the dark hours of 31st July 2024 to prevent poaching by those trawlers. During Navy’s efforts to seize some of the Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters, the trawlers attempted to evade the Navy with aggressive manoeuvres, defying Navy’s orders. During this incident, a trawler continued on its course after colliding with a naval craft. Moments later, the Navy observed the trawler capsizing and sinking.

Responding swiftly, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a search and rescue operation for four (04) Indian fishermen. The Navy tossed lifesaving gear to the sinking trawler and successfully rescued (03) three fishermen. Of the three (03) fishermen rescued, one (01) was in critical condition and was admitted to the nearest Punguduthivu Hospital in Jaffna for treatment. However, hospital authorities have confirmed that the fisherman was deceased upon admission.

Amidst rough seas and strong winds, the other fisherman has gone missing in the waters. The Navy mounted a search and rescue operation off Delft Island to locate the missing fisherman (01). The operation was also joined by Indian Coast Guard craft as well.

The two (02) rescued fishermen, who were in good health, along with the corpse of the fisherman who died in the incident were handed over to the Indian Naval Ship'INS BITRA’, through Sri Lanka Coast Guard, at the IMBL.