The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has urged all multi-day fishing vessels operating in the deep-sea areas around the Andaman Islands to immediately leave the affected area and move to safer waters as strong winds and rough seas are expected in the coming days.

The Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte said the warning was issued in view of a low-pressure area currently developing in the deep-sea region east of Sri Lanka, particularly around the Andaman Islands.

Speaking at a media briefing today (21), Kahawatte said the system is expected to gradually intensify and move towards India, with a tendency to approach the Indian mainland. The adverse weather conditions associated with the system could continue for several more days, he said.

Owners and crews of multi-day fishing vessels operating around the Andaman Islands have already been instructed to leave the affected area and move towards the coast or other safer sea areas.

Vessels operating in the Andaman Sea and the northern Bay of Bengal have also been advised to move southwards towards Sri Lanka to distance themselves from the developing weather system.

However, the Department has observed that several multi-day fishing vessels are still engaged in fishing activities in the affected areas.

Kahawatte warned that continuing fishing operations under the prevailing conditions could pose serious risks to both vessels and their crews due to the strong winds and rough seas expected to develop.