Four fishermen who went out to sea from the Point Pedro and Katkovalam areas have gone missing, and Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources,Mr. Ramalingam Chandrasekar has issued urgent instructions to the relevant departments to expedite search operations for them.

According to police, the fishermen departed in two boats at around 11.00 p.m. on the 27th have not yet returned to shore. It is believed that the strong winds that prevailed in the area may have prevented the vessels from safely returning.

Air and Navy Assistance for Search Operations

Upon being informed of the situation, the Minister immediately contacted the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Disaster Management and directed officials to take swift action to expedite the search efforts.

Accordingly, the current status of the ongoing search operation is as follows:

Air Force and Navy Support: Extensive search and rescue operations have been launched since this morning with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Navy.

Use of Modern Technology: Advanced technological resources are being deployed in the search area to help locate the missing fishermen.

Support from Local Fishermen: Fishermen from the surrounding communities are also actively participating in the search for their missing colleagues.

In addition, information regarding the missing fishermen has been shared with the maritime security authorities of neighboring countries, and measures have been taken to coordinate search operations at the international level.

Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar has further urged the Navy and all relevant agencies to make every possible effort to ensure the missing fishermen are located and brought safely back to shore at the earliest opportunity.