SLNS Samudura rescues drifting Multi-day Fishing Trawler in Northern Seas

Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel “Samudura” rescued a Multi-day Fishing Trawler which was drifting due to engine failure in the Northern deep seas on 21st December 2010.  

The fishing trawler named “Samagi 5” with a crew of five (05) fishermen had left for fishing from the Nilwella Fisheries Harbour on 14th January. However, the trawler had begun to drift due to engine failure while in the Northern deep seas putting the crew’s lives in peril. The Navy was informed of the incident by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and subsequently, SLNS Samudura was dispatched on a search and rescue mission.

The drifting trawler with the fishing crew was located 200 kilometers North-east of Point Pedro and was towed towards the Island. Upon reaching Point Pedro the fishing craft was towed towards the Fisheries Harbour by a Fast Attack Craft safely with the crew on board, yesterday (22 January 2010).

Sri Lanka Navy performs a multi-faceted role being the first line of defence of the island-nation. Fishery protection and providing assistance to fishermen in times of distress are among its numerous tasks and Naval ships and craft are dispatched accordingly on rescue and search operations in deep seas.