Search and rescue operations are continuing today (18) for the fourth consecutive day to locate the Sri Lanka Navy officer who went missing after a Navy Dvora vessel was involved in an accident in the seas off the coast of Angulana.

The accident occurred at around 11.40 a.m. on August 15, approximately three nautical miles off the Angulana coast in Moratuwa, while the vessel was returning to Colombo after completing a patrol.

A joint rescue operation involving the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Angulana Police and local fishing communities resulted in the rescue of 11 of the 12 naval personnel aboard the vessel.

Meanwhile, the Navy, in coordination with the Sri Lanka Air Force, mobilized specialized resources to locate the missing officer, recover the vessel and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following intensive efforts that began on August 16, Navy divers successfully salvaged the distressed vessel.

According to preliminary accounts provided by the rescued personnel, there is a possibility that the vessel may have come into contact with a submerged wreck in the vicinity. The Navy said this is one of the possibilities currently being investigated.

A panel of experts has also been appointed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident, Navy said.

The 11 rescued naval personnel remain under medical care and are reported to be in stable condition.