11 Navy personnel rescued, one missing after Dvora craft accident off Angulana

Eleven Sri Lanka Navy personnel were rescued and hospitalized after a Dvora Fast Attack Craft encountered distress in the seas off Angulana on Saturday morning (August 15).

The incident occurred at around 11:40 AM while the Navy vessel was returning from a routine patrol.

According to Sri Lanka Police, the personnel were rescued with the assistance of Angulana Police, local residents and members of the local fishing community.

The 11 rescued Navy personnel were admitted to hospital, and their condition is reported to be stable.

However, Police said one naval personnel who was on board the vessel remains missing, and investigations and search operations are underway to locate him.

The Sri Lanka Navy launched a search and rescue operation after receiving information about the distressed vessel. The operation is being carried out with assistance from the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and the local fishing community.

Following a request from the Navy, the Sri Lanka Air Force deployed an Mi-17 helicopter and a Bell 412 helicopter to monitor the distressed vessel and assist in the rescue operation, according to the SLAF Media Spokesperson.

Search and rescue operations are continuing, and further updates are expected.