Lion Air Antonov 24: Operation Salvage after 15 years

Nearly fifteen years after the Lion Air Antonov 24 aircraft was shot down close to Iranativu island in Mannar, Sri Lanka Navy (SNL) personnel salvaged two ten major sections of the wreck as well as a few personal belongings of the 66 persons who perished in the tragedy.

The aircraft was shot down on September 29 1998.The dead included 48 civilians and eight crew members, including two Ukrainian pilots. The wreckage was located at a depth of 25 feet, 1.5 nautical miles south of Iranativu island. Three Navy officers and 22 sailors were involved in the salvage operation and were able to accomplish the task within two days despite the prevailing adverse sea conditions.

Two Navy ships, Landing Craft Mechanized, SLNS Ranaraja and Landing Craft Utility, L 820, were deployed during the salvage mission.

The salvage operation was carried out by a specialized diving team led by Captain Jayantha Gamage on May 4 and 5 under the direction of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage and the supervision of North Central Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody.

SLN has the professional expertise and equipment for salvage operations of a sophisticated nature and its dedicated personnel are capable of undertaking missions under varied sea conditions.

Among the aircraft parts recovered were two aircraft wings, three tyres, the engine and the front section of the fuselage.

Police spokesman Buddhika Siriwardena said last year theywere able to arrest an LTTE cadre who was involved in shooting down the aircraft and based on information he provided that the aircraft salvage operations were started by the Navy.