The Sri Lanka Navy brought a critically ill fisherman ashore for urgent treatment on Thursday, 6 November 2026. The man was on a multi-day fishing trawler off Trincomalee, on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The navy says he is now in hospital.
The boat is Krishan Putha (IMUL-A-0831 TLE). It left Kudawella fisheries harbour on 29 October for fishing. When the man fell overboard, the boat was about 54 nautical miles off Boulder Point, Trincomalee. The crew recovered him from the water. He then became critically ill.
How the navy transfer worked
The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources asked MRCC Colombo for help. MRCC means Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre. It is the shore centre that leads sea rescues in Sri Lanka's search and rescue region.
The navy sent Fast Attack Craft P 474 from the Eastern Naval Command. A fast attack craft is a small, fast patrol boat. Sailors took the fisherman on board, gave basic first aid, and brought him into Trincomalee Harbour. He was then rushed to Trincomalee General Hospital.
The navy says it stays ready to help fishing boats and ships in distress in Sri Lanka's rescue region. This is a different case from our earlier report. In that case, the navy took an injured seafarer off the cargo ship Spirit of Tokyo off Galle.
What fishing crews can do after a man overboard
A person who falls into the sea can become very sick even after they are pulled back on board. Cold water, swallowed water and shock can all cause problems. Fast contact with shore can save a life.
Wear a life jacket when you work near the rail or on deck at night. Clip on a safety line if the sea is rough.
If someone falls overboard, shout "man overboard", throw a lifebuoy, and keep eyes on the person in the water.
Turn the boat carefully and recover the person as soon as it is safe. Then check breathing, pulse and warmth.
Call for medical help early. Contact MRCC Colombo or your nearest coast radio. Do not wait to see if the person gets better.
Give clear facts: when they fell, how long they were in the water, and how awake they are now.
Also say if there is bleeding, vomiting or chest pain.
Keep the person warm and still. Watch their breathing until help arrives.
Prepare the transfer early. Have passport or boat papers ready. Rig safe access for the rescue craft.
Read our similar report on an India Coast Guard night medevac after a fisherman fell overboard off Mangaluru.
Find more emergency and welfare contacts in Crewboard's useful links.
Cover photo: Trincomalee Harbour, Sri Lanka, February 2015. The photo is illustrative and does not show the rescue. Photo: L Manju, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Sources: Sri Lanka Navy, 6 Nov 2026: Navy brings ailing fisherman ashore for urgent treatment.
How we choose, write and correct our articles: editorial policy.
