The Sri Lanka Navy yesterday (23) rendered assistance to bring ashore an ill fisherman for urgent medical treatment after he developed a sudden medical emergency aboard a local multiday fishing trawler.
The trawler, carrying six crew members, had departed Dikkowita Fisheries Harbour on July 15 and was operating about 244 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka when one crew member fell critically ill.
Following a request for help, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the response, alerting merchant vessels in the area. The vessel CMA CGM BAHIA responded, safely transferring the fisherman onboard to provide immediate assistance.
A Navy craft attached to the Western Naval Command received the patient from the merchant vessel. Naval personnel administered first aid before bringing him to the Port of Colombo, from where he was rushed to the National Hospital of Colombo for further treatment.
The Navy said it remains on alert for such emergencies affecting fishing and naval communities, working closely with MRCC Colombo to ensure rapid response. (Newswire)