Special committee appointed to probe Angulana naval mishap

A special committee consisting of experts was appointed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the Dvora of the Sri Lanka Navy that faced a mishap in the Angulana sea area, the Sri Lanka Navy announced.

The search for the sailor missing from this mishap continues further, the Navy added.

Eleven Navy members were rescued from this mishap happened yesterday (15) in the Angulana sea area. The rescued crew are currently receiving medical treatment at the Welisara Navy Hospital, and their health conditions are not serious, the Navy said.

The Dvora is submerged by now, the Navy mentioned.

Operations commenced from early morning today (16) to salvage the craft, Navy Media Spokesman Commander Chaminda Walakuluge said. Yet, he added, obstacles arose for the operation due to the rough seas.

The Dvora with its 12 naval personnel met the mishap in the Angulana sea belt yesterday (15) and a local person who saw the incident has instantly informed the Angulana Police. Police took prompt steps to direct three fishing craft to the location where the mishap occurred to rescue the group of sailors.

Accordingly, the Air Force took steps to deploy a Bell 412 helicopter for operations, while steps were also taken to deploy an MI-17 craft for surveillance activities around the location where the mishap occurred.