The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has announced that the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force have launched a large-scale joint operation to rescue fishermen who are stranded or missing due to the rough sea conditions around the island.

Explaining the current situation, Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Mr. Susantha Kahawatte, stated that several vessels that had departed before the sea travel ban was announced last night have since been involved in accidents.

Accordingly, the vessel bearing registration OFRPA 8108 CHW, which departed from Chilaw, remains missing with two fishermen on board.In addition, two vessels that left Negombo were also involved in separate accidents. Mr. Katupitige Prasad McMillan Fernando, who had gone to sea on vessel OFRP-A-5277 NBO, lost his life after the vessel struck a rock and was destroyed. His body has since been recovered ashore. Search operations for the other fisherman who was on board are continuing.It has also been reported that the two fishermen aboard the other Negombo vessel involved in the accident were rescued safely with the assistance of another fishing vessel.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean  Resources Ratna Gamage, after reviewing the disaster situation, instructed the security forces and relevant authorities to intensify search and rescue operations to the fullest extent possible. The Sri Lanka Air Force has deployed a special surveillance aircraft for search missions, while Navy vessels are conducting operations in the affected areas. Members of the local fishing community are also actively assisting in the search efforts.

Warning to fishermen regarding floating containers at sea:

The Deputy Minister also revealed that 17 empty containers from a merchant ship travelling from the Maldives to Colombo Port had fallen into the sea approximately 17 nautical miles off Colombo. These containers are currently floating and pose a serious threat to fishing vessels.He further stated that all relevant departments have been instructed to remain on high alert and conduct necessary investigations into the incident.

Considering the current high-risk situation, the Ministry once again urges fishermen not to venture out to sea until further notice and advises all vessels currently at sea to return safely to shore as soon as possible.