Navy rescues 07 fishermen from fire-hit fishing trawler in southern waters

In a dramatic operation, the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 07 fishermen, who were on a local fishing trawler which had caught fire about 58 nautical miles (approx. 107km) off the Galle Lighthouse, West of Sri Lanka, on Friday (11th August 2023). The operation was mounted in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) Colombo. The rescued fishermen were brought to the Galle harbour today (12th August) by SLNS Gajabahu.

The distressed trawler ‘Ruhunu Kumari 6’ (IMUL-A-0738-CHW), had been at sea on a routine fishing expedition, having left from Vennappuwa on 08th August. In an unfortunate turn of events, it had caught fire whilst at sea west of Sri Lanka and the Crude Oil Tanker MT SAIQ, having seen the fishing trawler in trouble, disseminated the distress to MRCC Colombo at the Navy Headquarters.