Lankan fishermen rescue six Indian fishermen
Six Indian fishermen, reported missing since September 18 with their
fishing trawler off the Chennai coastline, have reached Trincomalee
after a group of Sinhalese fishermen rescued them.
The fishermen left Kasimedu Fishing Harbour in a mechanised fishing
trawler (registration number TN- 02 MFB-218) for a three-day fishing
trip. They lost contact with the shore when it was about 40 nautical
miles off the Chennai coast. The trawler developed mechanical problems
and drifted mid-sea.
Confirming the rescue of the six fishermen by their Lankan
counterparts six days ago, an official in the Sri Lankan High Commission
said they reached Trincomalee harbour on Saturday afternoon.
They were doing well and accommodated in rooms provided by the
Trincomalee Fishermen's Association.
On hearing the news, R Adhimulam, president of Chennai Chengai
Singaravelar Mechanised Owner's Association, spoke to boat driver Vinoth
(one of the youngest crew members) over phone and enquired about the
condition of other fishermen.
"We cannot forget the Sinhalese fishermen. It was divine providence.
They came when our trawler was drifting after it developed a technical
snag,"
Adhimulam, speaking to this website's newspaper, quoted Vinoth as
saying. After developing a technical snag the trawler drifted in mid-sea
for about 17 days. On October 6, the Sinhalese fishing trawler found
them, shifted them to their boat and gave food. The Indian trawler was
abandoned. Express Buzz, India
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