Sri Lanka Navy Sailor Posthumously Promoted After Tragic Indian Trawler Incident

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy posthumously promoted the senior sailor who succumbed after sustaining critical injuries due to the aggressive maneuvers of an Indian trawler, to the rate of Fleet Chief Petty Officer. 

The Navy said that it has also ensured that all necessary arrangements have been made for his family to receive the appropriate compensations and allowances.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation off Kankasanthurai, Jaffna in the wee hours of 25th June 2024, to seize an Indian poaching trawler in Sri Lankan waters. 

During this operation, a senior sailor from the Navy Special Boat Squadron sustained critical injuries due to the aggressive maneuvers of the Indian trawler, resisting its seizure. Unfortunately, the senior sailor succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna.

On 25th June, the Jaffna Magistrate conducted a post-mortem examination of the deceased senior sailor. The examination determined that the sailor's death was an accident, resulting from spinal code damage.

The seized Indian trawler (1) together with Indian fishermen (10) was brought to the Kankesanthurai Harbour and they were handed over to the Kankesanthurai Police for onward legal proceedings. 

The Kankasanthuraya Police has filed a ‘B’ report with the Mallakam Court in Jaffna, seeking prosecution of ten Indian fishermen. They face charges for; illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters, death of a Naval Personnel during the operation and for causing damage to naval property.

The Magistrate of Mallakam Court conducted an on-site inspection at Kankasanthurai port. The inspection focused on the Indian fishing vessel detained by the Navy and the Navy's Fast Attack Craft, which was damaged during the operation. Meanwhile, the initial hearing for this incident is scheduled for 22nd July 2024, at the Mallakam Court, Jaffna.