Distressed vessel inmates were Australia bound illegals

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Police ascertained that the group of Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals who were rescued by the Navy were heading for Australia as illegals.

Their vessel was sinking 50 nautical miles off Akkaraipattu when the Navy came to their rescue.

Statements given by those on board said 127 persons had left Bangladesh on December 26.

They had gone to Myanmar and picked 11 Myanmar nationals. Thereafter, they tried to enter Malaysia but was prevented by the Malaysian Navy who assaulted those on board and snatched the food items which were with the crew. The Malaysian Navy also damaged their vessel, they said.

The vessel in its damaged condition was drifting in the sea with its engine broken and started to sink gradually. The distressed vessel was first sighted by the crew of a local fishing craft named Manju 4 who informed the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department which in turn informed the Navy.

The Navy deployed three routine vessels immediately, rescued the foreigners and brought them to the Oluvil Harbour.

The Bangladesh and Myanmar Embassies have been informed. Police investigations are continuing. Eight inmates of the vessel are receiving treatment at the Akkaraipattu Hospital.