SLN craft damaged in collision with Indian trawler that had intruded miles into Lankan waters with several dozen other poaching vessels

The damaged SLN Fast Attack Craft at the Kankesanthurai harbour

An SLN fast attack craft was damaged in northern waters when a poaching Indian trawler collided with it on Monday.

The Indian craft sank.

The Navy launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation Monday (18) night in search of a sunken Indian fishing boat and its fishermen, in Sri Lankan waters about eight nautical miles (15 km) within the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) northwest of Delft Island.

The SLN units on patrol carried out an operation to seize Indian fishing trawlers poaching in Sri Lankan waters trespassing the IMBL, after observing more than 50 vessels.

One of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres made an attempt to evade when it collided with the SLN craft. The collision also resulted in damages to the FAC, which was subsequently brought to Kankesanthurai harbour safely for repairs.

Following the incident, the Sri Lanka Navy commenced a search and rescue operation in search of the fishers on the sunken trawler and the operation is being augmented by a diving team as well as SLN ships and craft, in the sea area where the incident occurred.

Relevant Indian authorities have also been informed of the current incident by the Sri Lanka Navy.