Navy rescues Seventy-seven Tamil Civilians fleeing from LTTE Clutches in the North-eastern Seas

Sri Lanka Navy rescued, on three occasions, seventy-seven (77) Tamil civilians who were fleeing from the LTTE clutches in overcrowded fiber glass dinghies on the 15th February 2009 in the North-eastern seas. The first group consisting of 34 civilians was rescued around 01.50 a.m. midnight whilst the second group of 19 civilians was rescued in the early hours around 05.00 a.m. The last batch which comprised of 24 Tamil civilians was rescued around 08.00 a.m.

All were safely brought ashore and provided with food and refreshments. Those who were found sick and weary were provided with immediate treatment by the Naval medical personnel.

The rescued expressed their heart-felt gratitude to the Navy for the warm hospitality and care extended to them by the friendly naval personnel. Many were filled with emotions and tried their best to convey how grateful they were despite being exhausted and disoriented by the painful experiences they had undergone in the terror reigning un-cleared areas.

Sri Lanka Navy has made special arrangements to receive innocent Tamil civilians fleeing from the LTTE clutches. Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams are on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the North-eastern seas.