Navy responds to 'SOS' call: Rescue fishermen stranded in deep sea

Sri Lanka Navy Off-Shore Patrol (OPV) vessel 'SLNS Sayura' responding to a distress message received, have rescued a multi-day fishing trawler and its crew Tuesday(July 29) in the high seas, 85 nautical miles off Foul Point, Trincomalee.

The trawler, 'Hiruni II' and its crew of 5 were drifting for 13 consecutive days after the trawler experienced an engine failure approximately 52 nautical miles off Pulmoddai and drifted further into the deep seas, Navy said citing the rescued. The vessel was also constrained in her manoeuvrability after she began to take in water due to a fracture in her hull worsening the situation in the choppy waters, the sources said.

On receiving the distress signal, navy launched a rescue operation and reportedly has detected the drifting trawler on Monday, as Navy further said that the boat and its crews were towed to the Trincomalee Harbour yesterday.

The trawler belonging to one N.H Sugath, had cast-off from Trincomalee on 4th July, Navy sources further added.