Distressed fishermen in high seas rescued

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo on 11th July 2022 coordinated the rescue of 03 fishermen whose lives were at risk aboard a distressed local fishing trawler at sea. The fishing trawler was in high seas southeast of Sri Lanka, about 174 nautical miles (about 322 km) from the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse.

The local fishing trawler (Reg No. IMUL – A-0301 MTR) is reported to have left the Valaichchenai Fisheries Harbour with 03 fishermen on 02nd July 2022 for a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources alerted MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters that the vessel was in distress in high seas.

Responding promptly to the distress call, MRCC Colombo located that the distressed fishing trawler was in high seas, southeast of Sri Lanka, about 174 nautical miles from the Great Basses Reef Lighthouse. Subsequently, MRCC Colombo has directed the MT-SHOGUN, an oil tanker which was sailing nearby to assist the distressed fishing trawler.

Through the mediation of MRCC Colombo, the tanker managed to rescue 03 fishermen whose lives were at risk from the distressed local fishing vessel this evening, having reached the distressed fishing vessel that was adrift hazardously in rough sea condition. Necessary arrangements to bring the 03 fishermen to the Galle harbour are being made by MRCC Colombo as of now.

Remaining true to its duty, the MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters works in full swing to assist naval and fishing communities in distress in Sri Lanka’s search and rescue region.