SLNS Shakthi renders assistance to a Foreign Fishing Crew in Distress in the Seas off Sangamankanda

Sri Lanka Navy’s Landing Ship Tank, SLNS Shakthi rendered assistance to a foreign fishing crew in distress in the seas 300 kilometers east of Sangamankanda on 28th February 2010.

The fishing crew (11 Indonesian and 01 Thai national) were first sighted by a multi-day fishing vessel named “Sanju Putha” which had been in the vicinity. They were found floating after their fishing vessel sank due to an accidental fire on board.

Sri Lanka Navy was subsequently informed of the incident by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and SLNS Shakthi was dispatched on the rescue mission accordingly. SLNS Shakthi and “Sanju Putha” rendered assistance to the fishing crew and the rescued crew were brought to the Galle Harbour on board “Sanju Putha” with SLNS Shakthi providing escort.