The Sri Lankan Navy rescued four Indian fishermen who had been stranded at sea for over a week after their fishing boat went missing due to rough weather, officials confirmed on Monday.
The rescue operation took place on Sunday off the western coast of Sri Lanka and was the result of a coordinated Search and Rescue (SAR) effort. The Sri Lankan Navy launched the mission after being alerted by the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai.
The fishing boat had lost communication on June 29 amid adverse sea conditions, prompting concerns from Indian maritime authorities. Once alerted, the Sri Lankan Navy deployed vessels and surveillance assets to locate the vessel and safely rescue the crew.
All four fishermen were found alive and brought to shore, where they received initial medical attention. Authorities from both nations are now working together to ensure their safe return to India.
The successful operation highlights ongoing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in ensuring the safety of seafarers in the Indian Ocean region.