Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar has instructed relevant authorities to expedite search operations for four fishermen reported missing after heading out to sea from the Point Pedro and Karkovalam areas in Jaffna on Wednesday (27).
The minister urged the Sri Lanka Navy and all other agencies involved to make every effort to ensure the safe return of the missing fishermen.
According to police, the four fishermen left for sea in two boats at around 11 p.m. and are believed to have been unable to return to shore due to strong winds experienced in the area.
A special search operation involving the Sri Lanka Air Force was launched on Friday (29), while extensive searches using advanced technological equipment are continuing in the surrounding sea areas.
Authorities have also shared information regarding the missing fishermen with maritime security agencies in neighbouring countries, with international coordination efforts underway to support the search operation. (Newswire)