Stranded whales were pulled back into deep seas in SLN led joint operation
November 03, 2020The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) partnered with Sri Lanka Coast Guard lifesaving teams, Police lifesavers, volunteer lifeguards and residents jointly made an attempt and sent back a pod of whales stranded on Panadura beach yesterday evening ( Nov 02).
The SLN said around 100 whales thus stranded have been sent into deep seas and 30 naval personnel, an Inshore Patrol Craft, a group of 30 Coast Guard personnel, lifesaving boat, 06 naval personnel attached to the Rapid Response Relief and Rescue Unit, Kalutara along with 02 lifesaving boats have been employed in the mission.
Jet Skis provided by a local water sports club were utilized on the request of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne to pull these sea mammals back into the ocean.
This species of whales have been identified as ‘Short-Finned Pilots’ and it is believed that they have beached in an unfortunate manner as a result of the pod following a desperate whale that lost its course.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation is currently conducting further investigations into four dead whales.
The Sri Lanka Police also prevented people from gathering to watch the whales due to the COVID -19 pandemic in the country.
