The Sri Lanka Navy rendered assistance to bring ashore an injured fisherman, who was aboard a local multi-day fishing trawler South of Sri Lanka, about 259 nautical miles (479km) off Galle. The fisherman in critical condition due to a fishing hook injury was rescued and treated, through the coordinated efforts of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. He was taken aboard SLNS Vijayabahu, where emergency surgery was performed to remove the hook. Subsequently, the fisherman was brought ashore yesterday (22) and rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, for further treatment.
The local multi-day fishing trawler ‘Duwa Shainee’ (Reg No. IMUL-A-1002-GLE) was reported to have left the Beruwala Fisheries Harbour with seven fishermen on December 5 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 has sustained fishing hook injury on his hand, and requested Navy’s assistance to transfer him ashore for surgery.
Following this, the Sri Lanka Navy promptly dispatched SLNS Vijayabahu to assist the injured fisherman, in coordination with MRCC Colombo. On December 20, the Naval ship retrieved him. Aboard the vessel, the Medical Officer of SLNS Vijayabahu performed a surgery to remove the fishing hook embedded in the fisherman’s finger and provided essential medical care.
Meanwhile, a Fast Attack Craft (FAC), attached to the Western Naval Command, speeded off to Colombo Offshore Patrol Limit (OPL), where they boarded the ill fisherman from SLNS Vijayabahu and brought him ashore. Subsequently, he was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital, for medical attention.
The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with MRCC Colombo continues to exemplify its dedication and 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.
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