Sri Lanka Navy has commenced salvaging the wreckage of the Lion Air Antonov 24 aircraft, which had crashed into the sea due to a missile attack launched by the LTTE terrorists on 29th September 1998.
The salvage operation is being carried out by an SLN specialized diving team led by Captain Jayantha Gamage under the direction of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage and the supervision of Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody.
The wreckage was located at a depth of 25 feet, 1.5 nautical miles south of the Iranathivu Island. Three SLN officers and 22 sailors are involved in the salvage operation amidst the prevailing adverse sea conditions. Two SLN ships, the Landing Craft Mechanized, SLNS Ranagaja and the Landing Craft Utility, L 820, are utilized during the salvage mission.
SLN has the professional expertise and equipment for salvage operations of sophisticated nature and its dedicated personnel are capable of undertaking missions under varied sea conditions.
[mappress] Press Release, May 6, 2013; Image: Sri Lanka Navy