The Sri Lankan Navy divers who were deployed in the search mission of capsized Chinese fishing vessel in the Central part of the India ocean have recovered two bodies from the captain cabin of the vessel Sri Lanka Navy says.
After strenuous diving amidst the challenges of zero visibility and enormous water turbulence, the Navy divers recovered these bodies and handed them over to a tug De Tian on the scene.
According to the Navy, Its divers located 12 more bodies of the crew from various compartments of the vessel. However, due to decomposition and the potential health hazards posed by operating in contaminated waters with limited protective gear, it was determined that retrieving those bodies would be exceedingly dangerous. Next, the decision was made to map the locations of the bodies, while prioritizing the safety of the SLN divers.
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) joined the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at the overturned Chinese fishing vessel LU PENG YUAN YU 028, which was reported on 16th May. At the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Sri Lanka Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Vijayabahu with a team of Navy divers was directed to engage in this crucial mission.
The media statement of the Sri Lanka Navy says that subsequently, the diving officer and Navy divers attached to SLNS Vijayabahu embarked on MV SHANDONG DE LONG which arrived there with a team of Chinese salvage team and made them a comprehensive briefing on the mapped locations of corpses, safe passages for divers to enter and exit the overturned vessel as well as the onward action today (23 May).
On completion of its intended task, SLNS Vijayabahu concluded its SAR operation and commenced the return journey on 22nd May.
Earlier search missions recovered two bodies from the vessel.
There were 39 sailors on board when the deep sea fishing vessel capsized including 19 Chinesenatiionls, 17 Indonesians, and 05 Filipinos.
The Australian Maritime Safety and Security Authority handled the coordination part as the closest country to the disaster area.
