September 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued eight people, including four women, a man and three children, after they were discovered stranded on an isolated sandbank off Thalaimannar during an early-morning patrol yesterday (05).
The children, aged two, 11 and 14, were among those found in distress. Navy personnel responded immediately, supplying the group with drinking water, food and temporary shelter before bringing them under naval care.
Initial information gathered by the authorities suggests the group had travelled from Rameshwaram in southern India before allegedly being left behind in the area as part of a suspected human-smuggling arrangement.
The group is reportedly made up of individuals who had previously stayed at the Anaiyur and Okkur refugee camps in southern India. Their circumstances and the events leading to their abandonment are expected to be examined further by the relevant authorities.
The rescued individuals will remain under the Navy’s supervision until they can be formally handed over to civilian officials for appropriate action.
The incident also highlights the risks faced by vulnerable people attempting irregular journeys across the Palk Strait, while underscoring the Navy’s role in responding to emergencies and protecting lives within Sri Lanka’s maritime domain.
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