Navy assists transfer of injured fisherman rescued through
coordination of MRCC Colombo
September 18, 2024
The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an injured fisherman, who was aboard a local multi day fishing trawler on the high seas south of Sri Lanka. Initially, the fisherman was retrieved by a Merchant Vessel in the sea area, on being coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. After being brought ashore today (18th September 2024), he was rushed to the National Hospital of Colombo, for medical attention.
The local multi day fishing trawler “Beula 02” (Reg No. IMUL-A- 0954 CHW) was reported to have left the Wennappuwa Fisheries Harbour with 07 fishermen on 17th July 2024 on a fishing voyage. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) alerted MRCC Colombo established in the Navy Headquarters that a crew member onboard the fishing trawler was injured, bitten by a fish, and requested Navy’s assistance to transfer him ashore for treatment.
In the meantime, a nearby Merchant Vessel named ‘MT Kiel Express’ was directed to the trawler's location to provide assistance, through the coordination of MRCC Colombo. With the assistance of MRCC Colombo, the Merchant Vessel managed to retrieve the fisherman and he was brought to the Colombo Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL) by this morning, while administering first aid.
Following this, the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched a Fast Attack Craft (FAC), attached to the Western Naval Command, to Colombo Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL), where they boarded the injured fisherman and brought him ashore. Subsequently, he was rushed to the National Hospital of Colombo, for medical attention.
The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives within Sri Lanka's search and rescue jurisdiction, serving as a beacon of hope and security for seafarers and the fishing community.
Courtesy - www.navy.lk