Navy rescues fisherman off Pothuvil…

The Sri Lanka Navy rescued a fisherman from a local fishing trawler that encountered distress due to adverse weather conditions off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. The rescue operation was carried out on 17 July 2026, approximately 15 nautical miles off Pothuvil, following information received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo. In response, the Navy deployed the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Vijayabahu, along with additional naval craft, to conduct a search operation in the designated sea area. The distressed fisherman was successfully located and rescued. Following the rescue, the fisherman was brought aboard SLNS Vijayabahu, where naval personnel administered preliminary first aid before transporting him to the mainland for further medical treatment.