Navy rescues another 139 civilians

RAFIK JALALDEEN

Navy Commander Rear Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda

The Navy rescued 139 civilians fleeing from LTTE bondage in Mulaithivu on two separate occasions on Monday. Navy spokesman Captain D.K.P. Dassanayake said the Naval personnel rescued two groups of people in the seas off Mullaitivu seeking protection with the Security Forces.

The first group consisted of 126 persons while the second group consisted of 23 persons.

”The first group had been found fleeing in seven dinghies with white flags around 10.50 a.m.

They comprised 40 children, 43 males and 43 females. The second group was rescued around 12.50 p.m. on two dinghies,” he added.

The rescued civilians were safely brought ashore at Pulmudai.

Naval personnel and vessels along with stand-by rescue and medical teams are on special deployment for this humanitarian assistance mission in the North-Eastern seas. Meanwhile, another group of 810 civilians crossing the uncleared areas sought protection with troops of the 58 division on Monday in Puthukudiyiruppu.