September 14, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy has completed a demanding recovery mission to retrieve Fast Attack Craft P 4447, almost a month after the vessel went down during a patrol off Angulana.
The craft was successfully raised from about 80 feet underwater on 11 September and subsequently taken under tow to the Colombo Dockyard premises, bringing an end to an operation that involved search and rescue work, underwater diving and a technically complex salvage effort.
The incident occurred on 15 August, when the vessel encountered difficulties while carrying out a routine patrol. The immediate priority was to locate and assist the crew, prompting a coordinated response involving the Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, Police and fishermen from the Angulana area.
That initial effort resulted in 11 crew members being rescued. The search continued for the remaining personnel, with the body of the vessel’s Second-in-Command eventually recovered on 4 September.
Once the search and rescue phase had been completed, naval authorities turned their attention to recovering the craft itself. Specialist diving and salvage teams were deployed to raise the vessel in what proved to be a particularly challenging underwater operation.
Rough seas, poor visibility beneath the surface and difficult working conditions complicated the recovery. Navy personnel nevertheless proceeded through a series of carefully controlled stages, placing particular emphasis on the safety of the divers and technical teams involved.
Marine, hull, electrical and electronic engineering specialists worked alongside the diving and recovery teams, using specialised equipment to stabilise and bring the craft back to the surface.
The operation also drew on expertise from outside the Navy. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Colombo Dockyard PLC provided technical assistance and specialised support during the salvage effort.
The successful recovery of P 4447 marks the conclusion of an extensive operation and demonstrates the Navy’s capacity to conduct complex maritime recovery missions under demanding conditions. It also highlighted the contribution of the service’s divers, engineers and other specialist personnel whose combined efforts were central to bringing the vessel safely ashore.
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