Update on Sri Lankan fishermen incident: Death toll rises to five
June 30, Colombo (LNW): Following the tragic incident where Sri Lankan fishermen consumed an ‘unknown substance’ from a floating bottle, believing it to be alcohol, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatta, confirmed another death.
One of the two critically ill fishermen taken aboard a Singaporean merchant vessel has passed away, bringing the total deaths to five among the six-member crew.
Initially reported this morning, the crew of fishing vessel “Devon 5,” originating from Tangalle, encountered multiple floating bottles at sea.
Medical guidance was provided remotely due to the vessel’s deep-sea location, with efforts ongoing to retrieve the remaining survivor and inform nearby boats.
The incident occurred approximately 320 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coast, with assistance from the Sri Lanka Navy in towing the vessel back to shore with external aid.
Previous report:
