Indian Coast Guard assists rescue of fishermen from distressed local fishing boat off north coast, through coordination of MRCC Colombo

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters, in collaboration with MRCC Chennai, coordinated the successful rescue of four (04) fishermen from a distressed local fishing boat. The fishermen, stranded approximately 447 nautical miles (827 km) off Point Pedro on Sri Lanka's east coast, were rescued by an Indian fishing trawler directed by MRCC Chennai. The rescue operation was reported to MRCC Colombo on 21st August 2024.

The local fishing boat (Reg No. 1DAY-A-0184 KMN) was reported to have left the Point Pedro Fisheries Harbour with 04 fishermen on 07th July 2024 for a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established at the Navy Headquarters to assist the crew members onboard as their fishing boat was in distress.

In response, MRCC Colombo sought assistance from MRCC Chennai to rescue the stranded fishing boat. MRCC Chennai then directed the Indian fishing trawler Thomas Mery (Reg No. TN 02 MM 1976) to rescue the Sri Lankan fishermen. After the successful rescue, the fishermen were handed over to an Indian Coast Guard ship. On 21st August, MRCC Chennai informed its Colombo counterpart that the rescued fishermen were being transported to Chennai by the Indian Coast Guard.

The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka's search and rescue jurisdiction and beyond, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.