SLAF deploys helicopter in search of missing fishermen off Dondra & Kalutara

The Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka has instructed the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to immediately deploy a Bell 412 helicopter and a SLAF Y-12 aircraft to carry out reconnaissance and rescue operations for fishermen who went missing following two separate fishing boat accidents at sea.

A special search and rescue operation is currently underway, with Sri Lanka Navy divers also deployed for the mission.

Two separate fishing boats, one departing from Dondra Fisheries Harbour and the other from the Kalutara area, were involved in accidents at sea.

The vessel that set out from Dondra Fisheries Harbour last evening (27) reportedly had five fishermen on board.

It is suspected that the accident occurred after this boat collided with a commercial vessel.

One fisherman was rescued and brought safely to shore, while the other four remain missing.

After being informed of the incident, the Navy dispatched a search and rescue vessel to the area.

Several additional fishing boats have also joined the search efforts. The accident took place nearly 20 miles from the coastline.

Separately, police reported that two fishermen from Kalutara, identified as Nadun Kumara and his brother Duminda Nadun Kumara, residents of Aluthgama, are missing after their small fishing boat went missing at sea.

Local residents have commenced search operations using boats, and the vessel has since been recovered and brought to shore.