August 18, Colombo (LNW): Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate a Sri Lanka Navy officer who remains missing after a Navy Dvora patrol craft met with an accident off Angulana, Moratuwa, with the operation entering its fourth consecutive day today (18).
The incident took place at approximately 11.40 a.m. on August 15, around three nautical miles off the Angulana coastline, as the vessel was making its way back to Colombo after completing a patrol mission.
A coordinated rescue effort involving Navy personnel, the Sri Lanka Air Force, Angulana Police and members of the local fishing community managed to bring 11 of the 12 naval personnel on board to safety.
The Navy has since intensified the search for the missing officer while also working to establish what caused the accident. In collaboration with the Air Force, specialised equipment and personnel have been deployed as part of the operation to trace the officer and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Navy divers began salvage operations on August 16 and subsequently succeeded in recovering the damaged vessel from the sea.
Initial information provided by the rescued personnel has led investigators to consider the possibility that the Dvora craft struck an object beneath the surface. One theory being examined is that the vessel may have collided with a submerged wreck in the area, although the Navy has stressed that investigations are still under way and the exact cause has yet to be established.
A panel of experts has also been appointed to carry out a preliminary inquiry into the accident and assess the circumstances that led to the incident.
Meanwhile, the 11 personnel rescued from the vessel are receiving medical treatment. Navy officials said their condition remains stable as the search operation continues for their missing colleague.
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