The Sri Lanka Navy today (16) successfully recovered a Fast Attack Craft that was involved in an accident at sea near Angulana, Moratuwa, while returning from a patrol.

The vessel was recovered following a several-hour operation carried out with the assistance of specialist diving teams attached to the Sri Lanka Navy.

Meanwhile, search operations for the naval personnel who remain missing continued throughout the day.

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, the recovery operation proved challenging due to rough seas and strong winds. Following the recovery, arrangements were made to transport the vessel to the Colombo Harbour.

Navy Media Spokesman Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said a special board of inquiry had been appointed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident.

The Fast Attack Craft was involved in the accident at around 11:40 a.m. yesterday, approximately three nautical miles off the Angulana coastline in Moratuwa, while returning to Colombo after completing a patrol.

A joint rescue operation involving the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Angulana Police and members of the local fishing community resulted in 11 of the 12 naval personnel on board being rescued.

The rescued personnel are currently receiving treatment at the Sri Lanka Navy Hospital, and their conditions are reported to be not critical.