Fisherman assaulted to death in fishing boat

A 40-year-old fisherman died yesterday when the skipper of the fishing boat had assaulted him to death in a sudden trance in the deep seas off the Kalametiya strip in Tangalle.

Two more fishermen who were in the boat at the time had narrowly escaped the brutal attack by jumping into the sea. They had been rescued by another fishing boat.

The rescued were identified as Thiwanka Hettihewa (30) and Jayasuriya Kumara (38).

The victim was identified as K. Jagath Samantha - a father of three from Dickwella.

According to the fishermen who escaped, the victim had remained in the boat as he was unable to swim.

Police said the suspect skipper of the boat had fled after

Two more fishermen who were in the boat at the time had narrowly escaped the brutal attack by jumping into the sea. They had been rescued by another fishing boat.

reaching the Nilwella fishing harbour, leaving the body of the victim in the boat.

The boat had left for fishing in the Trincomalee seas on December 25 when it was affected by stormy climatic condition that prevailed in the area.

Due to the bad weather they had changed their destination and come to the Oluvil harbour and set off again from the harbour last Tuesday.

The magisterial inquest is due to be held today.