Local Fishing Trawler Capsizes After Collision With Passing Ship; Three Missing

COLOMBO (News 1st); A local fishing trawler, 'Nihathamani 01' (Reg No. IMUL – A- 0690 – GLE), capsized approximately 271 nautical miles (501 km) southwest of Galle early this morning after colliding with a passing ship. 

The trawler, which departed from Galle Fisheries Harbour on August 25, 2024, was carrying seven fishermen.

In a fortunate turn of events, a nearby fishing trawler, 'Lasantha 01,' rescued four of the stranded fishermen. 

However, three fishermen remain missing, and one of the rescued individuals is in critical condition. 

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) had promptly notified the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Colombo at Navy Headquarters for immediate assistance.

Responding swiftly, the Sri Lanka Navy has deployed SLNS Gajabahu to the area to retrieve the rescued fishermen and bring them safely ashore.

This operation is being conducted under the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

Meanwhile, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, in collaboration with MRCC Colombo, is working to identify the foreign ship responsible for the collision and pursue legal action.