Sri Lanka Navy Launches SAR for Rescue of Missing Divers

Sri Lanka Navy launched an extensive Search and Rescue Operation (SAR) in the seas off Panadura for the rescue of a foreigner and 3 Sri Lankans who had gone missing since yesterday morning.

Eight Dvora craft and a 10-member SLN diving team were in deployment on the SAR operation. The 35-year old Diving Instructor, Olivenzo Arnold, who had been leading the diving group had been the first to be rescued. Others, who were equipped with safety equipment, had also been rescued by a near-by fishing vessel.

The group had gone for the diving expedition from Mount Lavinia in a rented Fiber Glass Dingy yesterday around 09.00 a.m. After one and half hours of diving, they had surfaced near a ship wreck off Panadura where they were caught up in a strong current and carried away.

The Diving Instructor expressed their gratitude to the Navy for the prompt assistance.

Sri Lanka Navy carries out SAR operations for the rescue of persons in distress utilizing its assets and expertise.

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Naval Today Staff, December 3, 2012; Image: Sri Lanka Navy