Missing Navy Sailor Still Unaccounted for as Angulana Search Continues

COLOMBO (News 1st); Search operations are continuing for the Sri Lanka Navy sailor who went missing following the accident involving a Navy fast attack craft in the seas off Angulana.

The ongoing operation is being carried out with the deployment of naval assets as well as Sri Lanka Air Force MI-17 and Bell 412 helicopters, as authorities intensify efforts to locate the missing service member.

The vessel involved in the incident was identified as a Super Dvora Mark III Fast Attack Craft belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy, which met with the accident on Saturday.

A total of 11 Navy personnel who were on board the vessel were rescued following the incident.

Meanwhile, a special board of inquiry has been appointed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Navy also stated that efforts are currently underway to bring the damaged fast attack craft ashore.

Navy Spokesman Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said rough sea conditions have made the salvage operation particularly challenging.

The Sri Lanka Navy commenced operations yesterday to recover the damaged vessel and tow it towards the Port of Colombo for further examination and investigation.