Arrested for removing iron blocks off sunken ships

Eight persons engaged in removing iron blocks off sunken ships in the sea surrounding the Galle Harbour have been arrested by the Galle Harbour Police, with the assistance of the officials of the Galle Navy Camp.

Iron blocks removed from the ships, a saw used for cutting, a 30ft boat, a boat engine and two diving kits which were in the suspects’ possession have also been taken into custody.

According to the police the suspects have illegally removed the scraps from the ships without proper approval. These iron pieces will be sent to the Galle Oceanography Archaeological Unit to ascertain their antique value.

The suspects arrested are from Dadalla, Mahamodara and Ginthota in Galle and they are to be produced in court today (December 07). (Sumithipala Deeganage)