SLNS Vijayabahu rescues man drifting off Pothuvil

Pothuvil, July 18 ( Daily Mirror)- The Sri Lanka Navy rescued a man who had gone missing at sea during a search and rescue operation conducted approximately 15 nautical miles off Pothuvil on Friday.

According to the Navy, the individual had been reported missing in the sea area off Arugam Bay since the evening of July 16. 

The rescue operation was launched after the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo alerted the Navy about the missing person. In response, the Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Vijayabahu, which was on routine deployment, was immediately diverted to the southeastern waters off Pothuvil and Arugam Bay to conduct an extensive search.

Despite extremely rough sea conditions that hampered search efforts, SLNS Vijayabahu located the man drifting approximately 15 nautical miles off Pothuvil and conducted the rescue operation. The rescue was carried out with great effort due to the adverse weather and sea conditions.

The dinghy had drifted offshore after its outboard motor suffered a mechanical failure, leaving the man stranded at sea.

The Navy successfully rescued the individual and brought aboad the SLNS Vijayabahu for medical treatment.