Steps underway to repatriate Lankan fishermen rescued from Somali pirates

Steps are underway to repatriate six Sri Lankan fishermen who were rescued from Somali pirates recently soon after all arrangements have been made through diplomatic channels, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said. 

Meeting a group of relatives of the fishermen at the Ministry today, the Minister assured them that fishermen who are currently sheltered in Seychelles will return home soon since all arrangements have been taken through diplomatic channels with the Department of Fisheries leading the initiative. 

In January, a Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler, with six crew members aboard was abducted by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea.

The “Lorenzo Putha - 4” multi-day fishing trawler set sail from Dikowita fishing harbor in Chilaw on January 12. The incident occured approximately 1,160 nautical miles away from the Sri Lankan maritime boundary.

Following an operation launched by the Seychelles Coast Guard, all fishermen were rescued by the authorities.