A tragic incident unfolded off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where four fishermen died and two others fell critically ill after consuming an unknown liquid found in bottles while at sea. The sailors, who were on a fishing trip, discovered the bottles approximately 320 nautical miles from Tangalle, a coastal town.
The Sri Lanka Navy reported that the fishermen drank from the bottles, believing they contained alcohol. Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte, stated that the navy was providing medical attention to the men on their fishing vessel, named the Devon, amid concerns that there might not be enough time to bring them to shore for treatment.
Efforts to return the stricken fishermen to land have intensified, with the navy towing the Devon back to shore with the assistance of another vessel. The Devon had departed from Tangalle on June 4, and the fishermen encountered the bottles during their trip.
The incident has sparked protests in Tangalle, with local residents demanding the immediate return of the surviving sailors to land for urgent medical care. The navy's attempts to provide medical attention aboard the vessel highlight the severity of the situation and the critical condition of the affected fishermen.
Adding to the urgency, Mr. Kahawatta revealed that the fishermen had distributed some of the bottles to other fishing crews operating in the area. Efforts are being made to notify these crews and prevent further consumption of the potentially lethal liquid. The Sri Lanka Navy and local authorities are now investigating the contents of the bottles to determine the cause of the fatalities and illnesses.
In the meantime, the situation remains dire, with the fishing community and authorities working tirelessly to address the immediate health concerns and uncover the mystery behind the deadly liquid.
The tragic event has cast a shadow over the coastal town of Tangalle, located about 120 miles (193km) from the capital, Colombo. As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by fishermen at sea and the critical need for swift response and support in times of crisis.
