303 Sri Lankans who were stranded in the Vietnamese waters have been rescued by Japanese authorities.

The stranded Sri Lankans were discovered at sea off the Spratly Islands after their fishing boat was damaged and found adrift.

The story comes in following the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre receiving information that the Myanmar-flagged ‘Lady R3’ with 303 Sri Lankans suspected to be headed for Canada was in trouble.

On Monday (07), the Japanese-flagged ‘Helios Leader’ was in the area and was requested by the Centre to make a detour and rescue the stranded vessel carrying the Sri Lankans.

The passengers on board the vessel were rescued and provided medical assistance immediately to whoever needed it.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre mobilised five other ships and instructed them to circle the area to provide support if needed.

Among the rescued were 264 men, 19 women and 20 children, according to reports.

MIAP