Navy assists repatriation of Indian fishermen

The Sri Lanka Navy assisted in the repatriation of 11 Indian fishermen and their trawlers Tuesday.

They were handed over to the Indian Coast Guard Ship Avvaiyyar in the waters off Kachchativu by Sri Lanka Navy’s Fast Attack Craft P 465 and P 483.

The repatriation reflects the close cooperation that exists between the two neighbouring Navies. Speedy action to dispatch the rescued Indian fishermen and their boats was undertaken on humanitarian grounds with a view to assist the livelihoods of the Indian fishermen and the well-being of their immediate family members. The three Indian fishing trawlers had been found in distress due to engine failure in Sri Lankan waters off Delft Island on November 2.

Sri Lanka Naval Ship Ranawickrema attached to the Northern Naval Command rescued them with the 11 Indian fishermen on board and towed them to anchorage off Delft island.

Thereafter, SLN personnel rendered assistance to the crew to carry out repairs and provided food and other required facilities as a gesture of goodwill enabling them to expedite their return journey.