Air, Naval Search Launched for Missing Fishermen

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Six fishermen are reportedly missing following two separate accidents at sea involving vessels from Matara and Kalutara.

Director General of the Department of Fisheries, Susantha Kahawatta, said four fishermen went missing after a vessel that set off from the Dondra Harbour Dock in Matara collided with a merchant ship. 

One fisherman, who was clinging onto the sinking vessel, was rescued and brought to shore.

Meanwhile, two fishermen are missing after a small vessel that departed from the Moragalla Harbour in Kalutara also met with an accident.

According to Air Force Spokesperson Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, the Navy and Air Force have launched search operations to locate the missing fishermen. 

A Bell 212 helicopter and a Y-12 aircraft have been deployed for the search operation.

Separately, police have launched an investigation into another incident where a fisherman who left the Nilwella Fisheries Harbour went missing. It is suspected he fell overboard. 

The missing individual was aboard the multi-day fishing vessel Jaya Isuru, and search operations are currently underway.