Sri Lanka Air Force Sends Helicopter To Rescue Fishermen

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of fishermen stranded at sea off the coast of Balapitiya were rescued today following the deployment of a Bell 412 helicopter under the directive of the Secretary of Defence.

The fishermen were aboard a vessel that encountered distress in rough sea conditions. Upon receiving the alert, the Sri Lanka Air Force launched the helicopter to assist in the emergency rescue operation.

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Alert warning for strong winds and rough seas around Sri Lanka, effective from 12:30 p.m. on May 30 until midnight on May 31, 2025.

According to the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, the warning specifically applies to the sea areas off the coast from Chilaw to Kankasanthurai via Puttalam and Mannar, and from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

The department warns that due to the active southwest monsoon, these sea areas may experience very rough conditions with wind speeds reaching 60–70 km/h. Other sea areas around the island may also become rough at times, with wind speeds increasing up to 50–60 km/h.

Naval and fishing communities have been strongly advised not to venture into the affected sea areas during this period and to exercise extreme caution in all other coastal zones.