Did a Hidden Wreck Cause Navy FAC To Sink Off Angulana?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Search and rescue operations for the missing Sri Lanka Navy officer entered a fourth consecutive day today, as naval and air assets continued an extensive operation off the coast of Angulana following last week's maritime emergency.

The incident occurred on August 15 at around 11.40 a.m. when Naval Fast Attack Craft P 4447 encountered an unexpected emergency while returning from a routine patrol mission off Angulana.

Following the incident, all possible efforts were immediately launched to rescue those on board. Eleven naval personnel were successfully rescued with the assistance of officers from the Angulana Police and members of the local fishing community.

Simultaneously, the Sri Lanka Navy mobilised specialised resources and coordinated closely with the Sri Lanka Air Force in a multi-agency effort aimed at locating the missing naval officer, recovering the vessel and determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

After a challenging operation that began in the early hours of August 16, Navy divers successfully salvaged the distressed Fast Attack Craft. However, authorities said rough sea conditions experienced over the past several days have significantly hampered towing operations, although recovery efforts remain ongoing.

Preliminary accounts obtained from the rescued personnel have indicated a possibility that the vessel may have come into contact with a submerged wreck in the area before the incident occurred. Officials stressed that this remains one of several aspects currently being examined as part of the investigation.

A panel of experts has been appointed to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the maritime emergency and establish the exact sequence of events that led to the accident.

Meanwhile, the 11 naval personnel who were rescued continue to receive medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.