The operation of rescuing five fishermen who went missing off at the Rathgama coast in Galle was successful, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Rathna Gamage, confirmed on 28th of November.
The operation began when two of the seven vessels that set out from the Rathgama Wella fishing pier on 26th of November failed to return to land. At the request of the Deputy Minister, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a Dora vessel and the Air Force a helicopter to launch search operations. While the search operations were underway, three fishermen from one of the vessels were rescued on 27th of November by a multi-day fishing vessel which was engaged in fishing in the same sea area. Later next morning, it was confirmed that the other two fishermen from the second vessel had also been rescued safely by another multi-day vessel.
Commenting on this successful operation, Deputy Minister Gamage said: "We are extremely happy for being able to save the lives of all five fishermen. Their safety is our top priority. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lanka Navy, the Air Force, and specially the crews of the multi-day vessels who risked their lives to save their fellow fishermen."
He also made a special request with a strong warning to the entire fishing community:
"I responsibly and earnestly request the entire fishing community across the country: Please, refrain from going to sea until this bad weather condition passes and an official notification is issued by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources or the Department of Meteorology. Your lives are more valuable to us than any harvest. At a time when our security forces are struggling to cope with disasters such as floods and landslides in the interior of the country, maritime rescue operations may be delayed. Please, moor your vessels in safe places and, if possible, use your boats to help our own brothers and sisters affected by the floods."
The Deputy Minister is continuing to monitor the situation, providing necessary facilities to the rescued fishermen and making their family members aware of the situation.
