Sri Lanka Asks Combined Maritime Forces To Probe Hijacked Boat

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lankan fishing vessel, "Lorenzo Putha 4," has been captured by Somali pirates in international waters near Seychelles.

The Sri Lanka Navy has informed the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain, a multinational naval partnership with 39 member countries dedicated to maritime security, to launch an investigation into the incident.

Naval Spokesman Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya confirmed the notification to CMF and added that countries with advanced naval technology are also being briefed on the situation.

Director General of Fisheries Susantha Kahawatta stated that all relevant Sri Lankan departments have been alerted and are closely monitoring the developments.

The hijacking reportedly occurred after January 12th, when "Lorenzo Putha 4" set sail from the port of Dikovita. The details of the crew and their current condition remain unclear.

The Department of Fisheries confirmed that communication with the Sri Lankan fishing vessel abducted by Somali pirates has been lost. 

Director General Susantha Kahawatta stated that the abducted crew, currently held on the Lorenzo Putha 4, have not made any contact with Sri Lankan officials, and the abductors have not made any demands from the government.

Six Sri Lankan fishermen are believed to be on board.

Despite the communication breakdown,  Kahawatta assured the that "all measures are being taken" to secure the safe return of the fishermen.