The Sri Lanka Navy has launched search and rescue operations to locate seven fishermen reported missing in two separate incidents off Mullaitivu and Matara.
According to the Navy Spokesman, three fishermen who departed from Puthukudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu on October 26 were reported missing by the owner of their fishing boat on Tuesday (27).
Following the report received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo, the Navy deployed a vessel to search for the missing fishermen. Assistance was also sought from the Sri Lanka Air Force, which deployed a Bell 212 helicopter today to support the operation.
In a separate incident, four fishermen who set out to sea from Kudawella in Matara on October 21 were also reported missing by their boat owner on Tuesday (27).
The MRCC Colombo was informed of the incident, prompting the Navy to initiate a joint search operation. A Navy vessel has been deployed, while assistance from the Sri Lanka Air Force has also been requested.
Search operations are continuing in an effort to locate all seven missing fishermen.
