SL Navy assists distressed Indian fishing trawler in Sri Lankan waters
September 25, 2024An Indian fishing trawler that had drifted into Sri Lankan waters due to a mechanical failure was provided assistance by the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard to return home after carrying out necessary repairs.
According to SL Navy media, the Indian trawler was spotted by the SL Navy floating near the Kovilan Lighthouse in Jaffna. Upon inspection by Coast Guard and a Navy Fast Attack Craft from the Northern Naval Command on Sunday (Sep 22) it was found that the defunct trawler with five people on board had drifted to Sri Lankan waters due to a mechanical failure amidst adverse weather conditions while on its way from Kanniyakumari to Visakhapatnam, it says.
SL Navy had towed the distressed vessel to Kankasanthurei harbour, after notifying the Consulate General of India in Jaffna. After repairs were made to its defective rudder shaft bearing by the Command Naval Engineering Department (North), the trawler was safely escorted to the IMBL on Monday (Sep 23), it further says.
