Air Force to assist Navy in search for missing fishermen

Newswire reports that the Navy is searching for seven fishermen missing in two separate incidents. Three fishermen who set out from Puthukudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu on October 26 were reported missing by their boat owner on October 27, according to Newswire. Sri Lanka Mirror identifies the location as off Pudumathalan and reports that the three have not returned; it also gives the boat’s registration as MLT/1742.

Newswire reports that the other four fishermen left Kudawella in Matara on October 21 and were reported missing by their boat owner on October 27. Newsfirst also describes seven people missing after trips from two coastal areas. Ada Derana and Hiru News headlines independently identify the Kudawella incident as involving four fishermen and a missing fishing boat.

Newswire says the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Colombo received reports of both incidents, after which the Navy deployed vessels and began search operations. For Mullaitivu, Newswire reports that a Bell 212 helicopter was deployed on October 28 to assist; Sri Lanka Mirror reports that an Air Force helicopter was scheduled to join the search that morning. Newswire says Air Force assistance was also requested for the Matara search.

Sri Lanka Mirror reports that rough seas and adverse weather have hindered the Mullaitivu maritime search. It says Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar directed officials to speed up the operation, coordinate aerial and sea searches, and work jointly with the district secretariat, disaster management unit, Navy and other agencies. The outlet also reports that the minister discussed additional search efforts with Defence Ministry and service commanders and was monitoring progress. Newswire says searches for all seven fishermen were continuing.