Navy rescues 03 fishermen from a distressed fishing boat in southern waters

A swift search and rescue effort by the Sri Lanka Navy on 30 Aug 25 ensured the safe return of 03 fishermen from a distressed fishing trawler, after the trawler was left adrift in southern waters off Hambantota due to a mechanical failure.

On 28 August, the fishing trawler with 03 crew members aboard suffered a mechanical failure and drifted approximately 38 nautical miles (70 km) south into the ocean after departing from the Dondra Fisheries Harbour. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Colombo, based at Navy Headquarters, requesting urgent assistance to locate the distressed trawler.

Responding immediately to the distress call, the Sri Lanka Navy tasked the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sindurala with the search and rescue operation. The naval ship on surveillance duty in the southern maritime zone, was swiftly diverted to the area to locate and aid the stranded fishermen.

Having reached the location of the distressed trawler, the crew of SLNS Sindurala extended necessary assistance to the fishermen, and subsequently brought them to the Port of Hambantota.

In the same vein, the Navy, in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Colombo continues to remain on high alert to assist fishing and seafaring communities in distress within Sri Lankan waters.