INDIAN TRAWLER SANK AFTER COLLIDING WITH SL NAVAL CRAFT

While escorting 30 Indian fishing craft off Delft Isle while poaching in SL waters

An Indian fishing trawler had sunk south of Delft Island on November 28, when it collided with the Sri Lanka Naval craft Edithara II, a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry said yesterday.

The statement said the incident took place while the Sri Lanka Navy was escorting approximately 30 Indian fishing trawlers that had been poaching within the Sri Lankan waters.

“The collision occurred due to the aggressive manoeuvering of the fishing vessels and poor visibility that prevailed at the time of the incident.

The SLN has rescued the 4-member crew and some of the items on board. The rescued crew along with the items will be produced to the Kankesanthurai Police station for further legal action,” the statement said.

The incident took place while the SL Navy was escorting 30 Indian fishing trawlers poaching within the Sri Lankan waters