In brief
Sri Lanka's Navy and Air Force launched joint search operations for seven fishermen missing after two fishing vessels disappeared off the southern and northeastern coasts, as reported by Xinhua. The first vessel had departed from Matara on Oct. 21, lost contact on Oct. 23, while the second left Mullaitivu on an unknown date. Adverse weather linked to a Bay of Bengal cyclone has hampered the search, with authorities suspending fishing activities in affected waters.
The Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force launched search operations for seven fishermen reported missing in two separate incidents off the country's southern and northeastern coastlines on Wednesday, according to Xinhua.
In the first incident, a four‑man fishing vessel departed from Kudawella near the southern Matara district on Oct. 21, according to the Navy. The vessel’s owner reported that the crew had last communicated on Oct. 23, after which contact was lost, prompting the owner to report the vessel missing.
The second incident involved a three‑man fishing vessel that left Puthumathalan in the northeastern Mullaitivu district. The exact departure date was not disclosed, but the vessel and its crew remain unaccounted for, the Navy said.
The Navy has activated a joint search operation, with assistance from the Air Force in the southern sector, Xinhua reported. Search aircraft are conducting aerial sweeps while naval vessels patrol sea lanes in hopes of locating the missing vessels.
Weather conditions are a significant obstacle. The Department of Meteorology has warned of strong winds, rough seas, and heavy thundershowers linked to a Bay of Bengal cyclone, making search and rescue operations extremely hazardous.
In light of the cyclone, the meteorology department advised local fishermen and naval vessels to suspend activities in the affected sea areas until further notice. Those already at sea were urged to move towards safer waters, the department added.
The communications losses, coupled with the severe weather, have slowed the progress of the search. Marine rescue teams must navigate high swells and sudden weather changes, complicating efforts to locate small fishing vessels in a large expanse of ocean.
Despite these challenges, the Navy officials remain optimistic. They said the joint operation will continue until the missing vessels and crews are located or a definitive conclusion is reached, according to Xinhua.
Both operations are being closely monitored by Sri Lanka’s maritime authorities, who are coordinating efforts with local fishing communities and international maritime agencies for additional support.
The search continues amid ongoing advisories and the possibility of further adverse weather conditions. The Navy’s commitment to finding the missing fishermen underscores the importance of maritime safety and the need for robust search and rescue capabilities in the region.
