Rough seas expected from Matara to Pottuvil, fishermen advised to stay ashore

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued an emergency warning to the entire fishing community to avoid engaging in fishing activities within the sea areas from Matara via Hambantota to Potuvil, as the seas can be very rough.

This special notification was made based on the risky weather advisory regarding strong winds issued by the Department of Meteorology today (09).

Accordingly, the wind speed in the sea area from Matara via Hambantota to Potuvil can increase up to 70 kilometres per hour from time to time, and there is a high possibility of the relevant sea areas becoming rough or very rough with the increase in wind speed.

Since the prevailing condition is extremely risky for coastal fishing activities, strict warnings were issued for one-day and small vessels engaged in coastal operations departing from the relevant areas to completely avoid going to sea.

The department mentions that fishing vessels going to sea from other areas where a risky situation is not reported must also ensure not to engage in fishing operations within this designated risk zone from Matara to Potuvil.