A fishing vessel that set off to sea from the docks of the Negombo fishing harbour, caught fire at mid-sea on international waters on February 13.

The  fishing vessel, Chathurani 1, set off to sea on  December 29, from the Negombo Fishing Harbour.

Fisherman who were on the boat say that the boat caught fire after it was struck by lightning while they were returning home.

There were seven fishermen in the boat at the time of the incident. It is learnt that four of them have abandoned the vessel and jumped into the sea.

However, the fishermen who were on  Chathurani 3  which arrived at the location say that the they were able to rescue all the fishermen from Chathurani 1.

Crew members of both vessels arrived at the Negombo Fisheries Harbour safely this morning.

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