Sri Lanka fishing trawlers trapped in seas to be diverted to India, Maldives

Steps have been taken to divert Sri Lankan multi day fishing trawlers stranded in international waters due to inclement weather, to the nearest country, the Fisheries Ministry said.

According to the Ministry, 20 fishing trawlers had been trapped near Maldives and India since yesterday and have not been able to reach the Sri Lankan coast.

State Fisheries Minister Dileep Wedaarachchi had held talks with the diplomatic missions of both countries and had obtained permission to temporarily divert these boats to the nearest country.

The State Minister has also issued instructions to local authorities in order to prepare rescue teams to assist any individual or vessel stranded in Sri Lankan waters.

Meanwhile, individuals who are aware of any fishing boats which have been trapped in the seas have also been requested to contact the Fisheries Ministry for relevant actions.

A decision has also been taken to ban boats from leaving the Western, Southern, South Western and North Western shores until further notice due to the prevailing inclement weather conditions, the Ministry announced.