Four (4) fishermen stranded by cyclone ‘Arnab’ brought ashore

Four (4) fishermen stranded at sea following the effects of cyclone ‘Arnab’ were brought safely to Hambantota port by the Sri Lanka Navy this morning, 3 November 2026. They were brought aboard the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) SLNS Sindurala and subsequently transferred to Hambantota General Hospital for further medical treatment.

The distressed crew had departed Kudawella fisheries harbour on 21 October on the multi-day fishing trawler ‘Eagle’ (IMUL-A-0022-TLE) and communication with the boat was lost on 23 October. The vessel's owner reported the missing trawler to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) on 27 October. The DFAR then requested assistance from the Sri Lanka Navy, through Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo on the same day.

In line with international maritime conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), the Navy launched a joint search and rescue operation on 27 October. The operation involved the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, the Sri Lanka Air Force, local fishing vessels and merchant ships in the region, with SLNS Sindurala deployed to the area.

Following coordinated communications across the fishing and maritime community, the stranded trawler and its four crew members were located. SLNS Sindurala reached the location and took the fishermen aboard unharmed on 2 November, providing them with initial medical aid and humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, a separate coordinated search and rescue operation remains ongoing today for 3 other fishermen who have not returned ashore after departing Chalai on 26 October.