Navy swiftly responds to bring ashore an ill fisherman in southern seas for medical attention

The Sri Lanka Navy swiftly responded to bring ashore an ill fisherman and transfer him to hospital, for urgent medical attention this morning (24 Feb 26). The fisherman was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler on the high seas off the south coast and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the retrieval of the fisherman.

Reportedly, the multi-day fishing trawler, ‘DEETH PUTHA - 01’ (IMUL-A-0781 GLE) had left Galle Fisheries Harbour on 12 Feb 26, with five (05) crew members. While it was fishing approximately 178 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka, a fisherman had taken critically ill, requiring prompt medical attention. The developments prompted the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to alert the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, seeking immediate assistance.

The Navy, alerted by the MRCC Colombo, provided remote medical guidance (Tele Therapy) and directed the trawler towards the nearest harbour. Meanwhile, SLNS Gajabahu in surveillance patrolling at Southern seas was dispatched to bring the ill fisherman ashore.

Subsequently, the patient was taken to SLNS Gajabahu (23 February) and transferred up to Galle's Offshore Patrol Limits while giving first aid aboard. Further, a naval craft was sent to take over the patient from the ship, and the ill fisherman was brought to Galle Harbour. He was then rushed to the Teaching Hospital Karapitiya for urgent medical attention.

The Navy remains ever alert to emergencies of this nature, affecting the fishing and naval communities, and promptly responds them in close coordination with MRCC Colombo.