Search continues for third day for missing pilgrims in Katukurunda

The search for missing persons continues for the third day in Katukurunda as a boat capsized with a group of pilgrims, the Navy said.

The search groups say four persons are still missing including two children.

The Navy has deployed several boats, while an Air Force Bell 212 helicopter was also deployed on Sunday to assist the rescue operation. 

Twelve people including a child and five women drowned when an overcrowded boat carrying Christian pilgrims capsized in rough seas off southwest coast on Sunday. The victims had set off in a parade of fishing boats from the tourist resort of Beruwala but halfway into their journey their craft overturned in choppy seas, police said.