The Sri Lanka Navy has launched search operations to locate seven fishermen reported missing in two separate incidents off Mullaitivu and Matara.
According to the Navy Spokesman, three fishermen who had set out to sea from Puthukudiyiruppu in Mullaitivu on October 26 were reported missing by the owner of their fishing boat on Tuesday (27).
Following the report received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, the Navy deployed a vessel to conduct a search operation, while assistance was also sought from the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Accordingly, a Bell 212 helicopter was deployed today to assist in the search for the missing fishermen.
Meanwhile, four fishermen who had departed from Kudawella in Matara on October 21 were also reported missing by their boat owner on Tuesday (27).
The Navy Spokesman said MRCC Colombo was informed of the incident, following which a joint search operation was initiated.
A Navy vessel has been deployed to search for the missing fishermen, while assistance has also been requested from the Sri Lanka Air Force.
Search operations are continuing to locate the seven missing fishermen. (Newswire)