10 bodies found after boat capsizes at sea

COLOMBO, Lanka: At least 10 bodies were recovered after a boat carrying 20 passengers capsized in the seas off Kalutara in the island’s south yesterday, the navy said.

The boat, which had sailed from the shores of Beruwala, capsized one and a half nautical miles from the shore.

Navy spokesperson Lieutenant-Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said the navy had deployed six naval boats and divers and a rescue operation was under way to find the remaining passengers.

Walakuluge said local people in the area were also assisting in the rescue efforts. The navy said the boat had been overloaded with passengers and had not followed the safety regulations.

“When people travel in boats for leisure purposes, the navy and the coastguard have to be informed.

“The boat that capsized had not followed any safety regulations as the bodies recovered did not have life jackets,” Walakuluge said.

The ill-fated boat was alleged to be a fishing trawler which had been used for leisure purposes.