News
String of fatal boat accidents sparks maritime safety probe
View(s):By Thusitha Kumara de Silva
A series of fishing vessel accidents off Sri Lanka’s southern coast has left several fishermen dead and others rescued, prompting authorities to investigate maritime safety protocols and enforcement.
Among the most recent incidents, two fishermen went missing earlier this week when the multi-day fishing vessel Maxim Putha 1 capsized off Paravi Wella Beach in Tangalle while returning to shore after fishing. The vessel was carrying six fishermen at the time. Four were rescued with the help of a dinghy, while search operations by the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force later located the missing fishermen. One was rescued, and the body of the deceased was recovered.
Two fishermen lost their lives in an accident off the coast of Moragalla, Beruwala. Pix by Thusitha Kumara de silva
In another incident, a boat that set out from the Dondra Fisheries Harbour on June 27 is suspected to have collided with a commercial vessel approximately 20 nautical miles offshore. The vessel had five crew members onboard. The Navy, with the support of several fishing boats, launched a search operation in the area. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) instructed the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) to deploy a helicopter to aid the search.
Accidents were reported last week off the coasts of Galle, Kalutara, and Hikkaduwa, amid growing concerns about fishing safety in rough sea conditions.
One of the deadliest of these occurred off the coast of Moragalla, Beruwala, on June 28. The bodies of two missing fishermen were recovered the next day, washed ashore at Bentota Beach. The deceased were identified as Nammunikamkanamage Ravindra Nadun Kumara (46), also known as Ranga, and his brother Nammunikamkanamage Duminda Jagath Kumara (43), alias Sudu, both residents of Aluthgama, Kaluwa Modara Devalaya Road.
Ravindra, though lacking formal qualifications, was a highly regarded researcher and a key member of the coral research team at the University of Moratuwa. “He was an expert on the ocean, coastline, reefs, and marine life,” said Professor Umesh Rangikahal from the University of Moratuwa. “Despite not having a university degree, I never questioned whether he had passed his O/Ls or A/Ls. He had a practical sense that went beyond that of a professor,” he said and added “my team and I learned a lot from Ranga.”
Investigations by the Fisheries Department have revealed that many of the casualties could have been prevented had safety precautions been followed. A senior official noted that life jackets were often not worn, with fishermen claiming they were uncomfortable. “In reality, when boats capsize, that would be one of the best safety measures to protect their lives,” he said.
The official also confirmed that many fishermen had ignored weather warnings in recent days and ventured into the sea regardless.
In response to the string of accidents, Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Rathna Gamage has appointed a committee to examine the causes of the capsizings and to recommend urgent safety measures to safeguard the country’s fishing communities.
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