An Indian fishing vessel with 11 crew members met with an accident in Sri Lankan waters, prompting a rescue operation by the island nation’s navy, according to an official statement on Thursday. 

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the trawler had reportedly crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line into Sri Lankan waters and allegedly engaged in bottom trawling before it ran aground.

The incident occurred on a coastal reef off Delft Island, also known as Neduntheevu, located in the Palk Strait off the northern coast of mainland Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lankan Navy’s media spokesman Commander Chaminda Walakuluge claimed the Indian vessel was engaged in illegal fishing activities in Sri Lankan waters and met with an accident, with 11 people on board, adding that the incident occurred last night (05).

“Due to the impact of grounding on the reef, the trawler has sustained partial structural damage,” the Sri Lanka Navy said in the statement. However, the situation has not reached a critical stage, and the fishermen are not in immediate danger, it added. 

Following several hours of rescue efforts, all 11 fishermen were safely brought ashore on Delft Island today (06). The statement said the rescue units to assist the Indian fishermen were dispatched.

Subsequent action about the incident is presently being pursued in conformity with the relevant legal procedures, it added. 

Meanwhile, the Navy is also taking steps to tow the Indian fishing vessel which was washed ashore by rough sea conditions, to the Myliddy Fisheries Harbour.

Further action regarding the rescued fishermen is being coordinated jointly by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

--With Agencies inputs