A Bell 412 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has successfully rescued three fishermen stranded at sea off the coast of Balapitiya, following adverse weather conditions affecting the region.
The rescued individuals were safely brought ashore, the SLAF confirmed.
According to the Ministry of Defence, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha had instructed the SLAF to deploy the helicopter to carry out the rescue operation after receiving reports of the marooned fishing vessel.
The mission was launched in response to the ongoing rough seas caused by the active southwest monsoon.
