Navy assists transfer of ill fisherman rescued through coordination of MRCC Colombo

The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman whose life was at risk while aboard a local fishing trawler in southern waters of Sri Lanka. The fisherman was retrieved by a nearby bulk carrier, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, Galle for medical attention.

The local fishing trawler (Reg No. IMUL – A-0813 GLE) was reported to have left the Galle Fisheries Harbour with 07 fishermen on 10th March 2024 for a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters that a crew member onboard the fishing trawler was in distress on high seas and requested Navy’s assistance to transfer him ashore.

In the meantime, a nearby bulk carrier, MV Akij Star was directed to the trawler's location to provide assistance, through the coordination of MRCC Colombo. With the assistance of MRCC Colombo, the bulk carrier successfully retrieved the fisherman and he was brought off the Galle harbour, while administering first aid. Following this, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched a Fast Attack Craft (FAC), attached to the Southern Naval Command, to Galle Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL), where they boarded the ill fisherman and brought him ashore. Subsequently, he was rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya for medical attention.

The Sri Lanka Navy continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka's search and rescue jurisdiction, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community. Accordingly, MRCC Colombo has rendered assistance to 01 distressed foreign ship as well as 06 fishing trawlers in 2024.