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.
Fishermen Urged to Follow Weather Advisories
The Department has also advised small-scale fishermen in other sea areas around Sri Lanka to closely monitor weather conditions and wind speeds before going to sea.
Kahawatte said no decision has been taken to suspend fishing activities across the country at this stage.
The Department is continuing to monitor the situation and will issue further instructions based on weather advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
He urged all fishermen to strictly follow weather warnings and safety instructions and to make decisions about going to sea based on prevailing conditions.
Fishermen were also urged to wear life jackets at all times when going to sea, while engaged in fishing activities and when returning to shore.
Kahawatte noted that lives have been lost in the past during adverse weather conditions due to failure to follow weather warnings and safety instructions, as well as failure to wear life jackets.
Authorities Monitoring Situation
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is continuing to monitor weather conditions in the sea areas around the Andaman Islands. Existing instructions will be reviewed and revised as necessary based on the latest weather advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Kahawatte said owners of multi-day fishing vessels operating in the affected areas have been contacted from shore and informed of the situation. Crews aboard the vessels have also been instructed via radio communication systems to immediately leave the affected areas.
