Navy launches search operation to locate missing Indian fishermen poaching in Lankan waters

Navy launched a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation last night (18) in search of a sunken Indian fishing boat and its fishermen in Sri Lankan waters about 8 nautical miles (15 km) within the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) northwest of Delft Island, following a resisting arrest incident took place in the dark hours yesterday. 

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 trawlers, according to the Navy. As the operation was panning out, one of the Indian fishing trawlers, with aggressive manoeuvres resisting the arrest, was on an attempt to evade from the scene making it collide with SLN Craft in operation and ultimately sinking at sea having lost its stability. The collision also caused damages to the SLN Fast Attack Craft which was subsequently brought to Kankesanthurai harbour safely for repair work.

Following the incident, Sri Lanka Navy commenced a search and rescue operation in search of the fishermen 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.