Navy rushes fisherman with burn injuries ashore for treatment

The Navy on Tuesday (11) brought ashore a fisherman, who had sustained burn injuries in an attack allegedly carried out by the crew of a foreign vessel approximately 431 nautical miles (about 798km) off the coast of Galle.

The multi-day fishing trawler, named ‘Sachintha Putha’ (Reg. No. IMUL-A-0460 CHW), set sail from the Negombo harbour for fishing on 22nd June, with five crew members. It was attacked by a foreign vessel on the high seas, southwest of Sri Lanka, and the victim suffered burn injuries. The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, located at the Navy Headquarters, to the incident.

The Navy made prompt arrangements to bring the wounded fisherman ashore. Accordingly, MRCC Colombo informed the Bulk Carrier ‘SPAR MIRA’, sailing in the same sea area, to get the injured fisherman aboard.

The Bulk Carrier retrieved the injured fisherman. Instead of continuing its original course towards Singapore, the ship altered its route and sailed approximately 400 nautical miles to the southern sea area of Sri Lanka.

A Fast Attack Craft, attached to the Southern Naval Command took the victim to the Galle harbour after administering first aid. He was then rushed to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital.