COLOMBO, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Navy and Air Force have launched search operations for seven fishermen reported missing in two separate incidents off the country's southern and northeastern coasts, the Navy said Wednesday.
One fishing vessel carrying four fishermen left Kudawella in the southern Matara district on Oct. 21, the Navy said.
The fishermen last communicated with the vessel's owner on Oct. 23, after which contact was lost. The owner subsequently reported the vessel missing, prompting the Navy to launch a search operation with assistance from the Air Force.
Meanwhile, a separate search is continuing for another fishing vessel carrying three fishermen that departed from Puthumathalan in the northeastern Mullaitivu district.
The Navy said operations were continuing to locate both vessels and their crews.
The search operations come amid adverse weather in surrounding seas, with the Department of Meteorology warning of strong winds, rough seas and heavy thundershowers linked to the prevailing cyclonic conditions in the Bay of Bengal.
The department has advised fishermen and naval vessels to suspend activities in the affected sea areas until further notice and urged those already at sea to move towards safer waters. ■
