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Mid-sea tragedy

by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi and Deepal Samarasekera

At least one person was killed and four injured when a multi-day boat carrying suspected illegal migrants bound for Western Europe almost capsized in rough seas off Devundara, Matara early yesterday.

The ill-fated boat from Negombo broke-apart 750 meters away from the Puranawella area, Devundara at about 2.00 am yesterday.

Unconfirmed reports say that it carried over 100 persons.

Yesterday morning, Police in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy launched a search operation to look for survivors.

According to the Matara Police 75 passengers had been rescued by the fishermen of the area, who had heard the screaming of the frightened people in the water.

It was reported that those rescued had gone missing soon after they were taken ashore.

The Matara Police together with other Police stations in the area commenced a search operation for those who vanished.

Police have already recorded statements from a number of fishermen. They have told that 70-75 were rescued. Some were seen swimming towards the shore.

Police believe that a majority of the suspected illegal migrants were residents of Wennappuwa and Negombo. The boat which was old and unseaworthy had been loaded beyond capacity.

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