Rescue Operation Launched For Fishermen Off Negombo Coast

COLOMBO (News 1st); Due to the current adverse weather conditions at sea, three fishing boats have met with accidents in three separate incidents.

The Department of Fisheries stated that one fishing boat, with 2 fishermen onboard, was destroyed after colliding with a reef off the Negombo coast.

One fisherman who was on board remains missing, while the body of the other fisherman has washed ashore in Negombo.

The department further stated that another fishing boat was partially damaged after striking a reef and later drifted ashore with two fishermen on board.

Meanwhile, authorities have reported that a third fishing vessel is currently anchored off the Bopitiya coast with two fishermen aboard.

Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha said that a joint rescue operation involving the Navy and Air Force has been launched to assist the fishermen in distress.

The Ministry of Defence also stated that a Bell 412 helicopter has been deployed as part of the rescue operation.