Indian fisherman dies, another missing after trawler capsizes in SL waters

An Indian fisherman has died and another is missing after an Indian trawler capsized when the Sri Lankan Navy attempted to chase them away for illegally poaching in Sri Lankan waters early this morning.

Navy spokesperson Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya told Zira Daily that the incident occurred off Delft Island during an operation to expel Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters.

He said the Indian trawler, with four fishermen onboard, capsized due to aggressive manoeuvres and rough sea conditions.

One fisherman is missing, and the Navy is continuing search operations to locate him. One of the rescued fishermen was admitted to Punkudathiev Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The other two fishermen are in good condition, he said.

The spokesperson added that Indian authorities have been informed about the incident.