In brief
Sri Lanka’s Navy and Air Force launched search operations on Oct. 28 to locate two missing fishing vessels that vanished off the southern and northeastern coasts. The ships—one carrying four men and the other three—disappeared after last contact with their owners. Strong winds and rough seas linked to a Bay of Bengal cyclone hamper the search.
Citing Xinhua, the Sri Lanka Navy said it had begun search operations on Oct. 28 for seven fishermen who went missing in two separate incidents off the country’s southern and northeastern coasts.
The first case involved a 4‑man vessel that left Kudawella in the Matara district on Oct. 21 and lost contact with its owner on Oct. 23. After the owner reported the vessel missing, the navy, with assistance from the Air Force, launched a joint search into the surrounding waters.
The second search centres on a 3‑man vessel that departed from Puthumathalan in the Mullaitivu district. The date of departure is unknown, and the ship remains unlocated; the navy continues to scour the area.
Search Operation Overview
Both operations are underway amid severe weather conditions. The Department of Meteorology warned of strong winds, rough seas and heavy thundershowers tied to a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, which is hindering rescue efforts.
In response, the department urged all fishermen and naval vessels to suspend activity in affected sea areas and to move to safer waters. The navy is coordinating with local authorities to keep the search as extensive and timely as conditions allow.
Families of the missing fishermen have reportedly been briefed by the navy, which is maintaining daily updates on the search’s progress.
