Naval craft recovered after salvage effort, search operation continues for missing officer

Naval Fast Attack Craft P 4447 encountered an unexpected maritime emergency on 15 August around 11:40 a.m. while returning from a routine patrol off Angulana.

Following the incident, the crew responded to the rapidly developing situation, and 11 personnel on-board were successfully rescued with the assistance of Angulana Police and local fishing community.

In parallel, the Navy mobilized specialized resources in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force to locate the missing officer, recover the craft, and establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

Following hours of demanding effort, since early morning of 16 August, naval divers successfully salvaged the distressed craft. Based on preliminary accounts, from rescued personnel, there is a possibility that the craft may have come into contact with a submerged wreck in the vicinity. This is one of the aspects being examined.

Meanwhile, a panel of experts has been appointed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident. The 11 naval personnel who were rescued remain under medical care and are in stable condition

Further, the search operation is still underway for the missing officer.