Five fishermen from Sri Lanka have lost their lives after drinking an unidentified liquid from bottles they discovered in the sea. This incident occurred during a multi-day fishing expedition on the Devon 5, which started on June 4, 2024, from Tangalle Fisheries Harbour. The fishermen, under the impression that the bottles contained alcohol, consumed the liquid, causing immediate fatal reactions in four of them. The fifth fisherman passed away on Sunday, June 30.
The incident happened approximately 320 nautical miles, or around 370 miles, away from the Sri Lankan coastline. Two critically ill fishermen, including the one who later died, were transferred to the Singaporean merchant ship, MV Kota Camil, in order to receive immediate medical attention, as per navy spokesperson Gayan Wickramasuriya.
The Sri Lankan Navy took immediate action to rescue the affected fishermen. A naval vessel, the SLNS Vijayabahu, was dispatched with a medical team on board to provide necessary aid and ensure the safe return of the survivors. “We are coordinating with the Singaporean vessel to transfer the critically ill fisherman to our ship at sea,” Mr. Wickramasuriya reported.
Susantha Kahawatte, the Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, revealed that the fishermen had shared some of the bottles with other nearby fishing vessels before they understood the risk. Efforts are currently underway by authorities to warn these vessels to prevent further fatalities.
In response to the tragic event, the fishing community in Tangalle staged protests, calling for the immediate return of the surviving fishermen to shore. Protestors blocked the main Tangalle-Matara road in Pallikkudawa, causing substantial traffic disruption.
This event underscores the perilous conditions faced by the fishermen and highlights the crucial need for prudence when encountering unknown objects at sea. The authorities are currently examining the contents of the bottles to identify the exact cause of the poisoning.
