Naval personnel attached to SLNS Wasaba of the Northern Naval Command rescued 12 Indian fishermen when their trawlers were run aground in the seas off Delft Island on 19th December 2011 while Naval personnel attached to SLNS Elara of the same Command rescued 06 Indian fishermen in a trawler run aground in the seas off Analative Island on the same day.
The Navy rescued the fishermen in distress and provided them food and medical assistance after bringing them to safety. These trawlers were poaching in Sri Lankan waters when they ran aground in the Northern seas.
In spite of exaggerated allegations in the Indian media accusing the Navy of unleashing violence on Indian fishermen, it is the Sri Lanka Navy that has come to the rescue of the Indian fishermen in distress in Sri Lankan waters on many occasions. The Navy has time and again saved the lives of Indian fishermen when they were in distress in Sri Lankan waters. The latest being the rescue of 04 Indian fishermen on 18th December in the seas off Delft Island.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 21, 2011; Image: navy