The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an injured fisherman, who was aboard a local multi day fishing trawler south of Sri Lanka, about 259 nautical miles (479km) off Galle. The fisherman in critical condition due to a fishing hook injury was rescued and treated, through the coordinated efforts of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. He was taken aboard SLNS Vijayabahu, where emergency surgery was performed to remove the hook. Subsequently, the fisherman was brought ashore on 22nd December and rushed to the National Hospital of Colombo, for further treatment.
The local multi day fishing trawler ‘Duwa Shainee’ (Reg No. IMUL-A-1002-GLE) was reported to have left the Beruwala Fisheries Harbour with 07 fishermen on 05th December 2024 on a fishing voyage.Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters that a crew member onboard the fishing trawler has sustained fishing hook injury on his hand, and requested Navy’s assistance to transfer him ashore for surgery.
Following this, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly dispatched SLNS Vijayabahu to assist the injured fisherman, in coordination with MRCC Colombo. On December 20th, the naval ship successfully retrieved him. Aboard the vessel, the Medical Officer of SLNS Vijayabahu performed a successful surgery to remove the fishing hook embedded in the fisherman’s finger and provided essential medical care.
Meanwhile, a Fast Attack Craft (FAC), attached to the Western Naval Command, speeded off to Colombo Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL), where they boarded the ill fisherman from SLNS Vijayabahu and brought him ashore. Subsequently, he was rushed to the National Hospital of Colombo, for medical attention.
The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka’s search and rescue jurisdiction, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.
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