The Sri Lanka Navy has launched a rescue and assistance operation for an Indian fishing trawler that ran aground on a reef off Delft Island after encountering adverse weather conditions while allegedly engaging in illegal fishing within Sri Lankan territorial waters.
According to the Navy, the trawler had crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) into Sri Lankan waters for unlawful fishing activities when it was caught in rough weather overnight, between yesterday evening and early this morning.
Strong winds and heavy seas reportedly caused the vessel to drift onto a coastal reef off Delft Island, where it became grounded.
Approximately 11 Indian fishermen are believed to be aboard the trawler.
The Navy said the impact of the grounding caused partial structural damage to the vessel, resulting in water entering the hull. However, authorities noted that the situation has not reached a critical stage and the fishermen are not in immediate danger.
Sri Lanka Navy personnel are continuing rescue and assistance efforts to ensure the safety of those on board while assessing the condition of the vessel. Further details are expected as the operation progresses.
