Sri Lanka Navy rescues missing Indian fishing trawler with 06-member crew

Sri Lanka Navy rescued the missing Indian fishing trawler with the six-member crew drifting as a result of a mechanical problem and anchored at a distance of five nautical miles west of Iranativu Island on 23rd September 2015. Since the fishermen onboard were in an exhausted condition due to rough seas in the area and the defect was beyond repairs, the trawler along with the fishermen were safely brought to Thalai-mannar by an SLN craft which had sighted the defective trawler.

SLN had alerted its ships and craft to render assistance at a request made by the Indian authorities to assist in finding the Indian trawler, which had gone missing since 21st September.

On safe arrival ashore, the rescued Indian fishermen were treated with food, medical and accommodation and the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka was informed for onward actions. Subsequently, they were taken onboard an SLN craft attached to the North Central Naval Command and handed over to the Indian Coast Guard vessel, C 142, at the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) south west of Kachchativu on 24th September 2015 along with their fishing trawler.