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20 multi-day fishing vessels stranded in Maldives and Indian island
View(s):More than 20 Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels remain stranded in the Maldives and in an Indian island, due to the stormy weather, as the Fisheries Ministry continued to monitor the situation before telling them to return to the country, a senior official said.
“We are regularly in touch with the vessels through our radio network,” Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Director General Ginige Kumara told the Sunday Times.
The deep sea vessels were advised to seek shelter in the clam waters of the Maldives and India, as, around Sri Lanka, stormy conditions posed a risk to the vessels and crew.
“We have not received any notification on damages or injuries up to now. Our top priority is the safety of the fishermen’s lives at sea,” he said.
Mr. Kumara said the department and the Navy had issued warnings against smaller fishing vessels going out to sea.
The department, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had communicated a request to the Governments of the Maldives and India to allow Sri Lankan flagged fishing vessels to seek refuge in their ports and waters till the weather improved. Reports indicate seven Sri Lankan vessels have sought shelter in Minicoy, an Indian Island north of the Maldivian archipelago.
The Navy said the Colombo-based Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was closely monitoring the situation.
A spokesman said the Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force were on alert to respond to any search and rescue operation at sea.