The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has advised multi-day fishing vessels operating in sea areas around the Andaman Islands and the northern Bay of Bengal to immediately leave the area due to the risk of strong winds and rough seas.
Director General Susantha Kahawatte said the warning follows a low-pressure area that has developed in the deep-sea region east of Sri Lanka, particularly around the Andaman Islands.
He said the system is expected to gradually intensify and move towards India, while its effects could continue for several more days.
Fishing vessels in the affected areas have been advised to move away from the low-pressure zone and proceed towards Sri Lanka in a southerly direction or to other safer sea areas.
Kahawatte said several multi-day fishing vessels were still operating in the affected region and warned that continuing fishing activities could place both vessels and crews at risk as sea conditions deteriorate.
Small-scale fishermen operating in other sea areas around Sri Lanka have also been advised to monitor daily sea conditions and wind speeds before going to sea.
The department said no decision has been taken so far to impose a nationwide suspension of fishing activities, but the situation is being continuously monitored.
Fishermen have also been urged to follow weather and safety advisories and wear life jackets while travelling to sea, during fishing operations and when returning to shore. (Newswire)
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