News

Indian coast guard evacuates Sri Lankan fisherman in critical medical emergency at sea

Published

1 year ago

April 6, 2024

editor

The Indian Coast Guard evacuated a Sri Lankan fisherman facing a life-threatening medical emergency mid-sea on Friday. The Sri Lankan Fishing Vessel (SLFV) ‘Kalpeni’ ventured into the sea and it became adrift due to engine failure on April 1. One of the fishermen, aged 44, suddenly developed shortness of breath after the boat drifted 60 nautical miles from Chennai on April 5.

According to ANI, “On April 5, One crew from a Sri Lankan fishing boat namely PM Sumit Lalitha aged 44 years developed shortness of breath and was suspected to have a life-threatening heart condition. His boat had drifted to about 60 Nautical miles from Chennai.”

“Indian Coast Guard immediately launched its ship ICGS Rani Abakka towards the boat and the patient was evacuated within a few hours. The patient was given basic medical treatment. At the same time, an Advanced Light helicopter (ALH) was launched by ICG from Chennai to air-lift the patient to the Coast Guard air station in Chennai.”

Later, the fisherman was handed over to officials from Sri Lankan High Commission for further medical treatment.

On Wednesday, the Indian Coast Guard rescued eight fishermen who found themselves stranded at sea when their boat suffered a critical crack 95 nautical miles off Chennai coast of the Bay of Bengal. Despite the challenging conditions, the Coast Guard successfully rescued eight out of the ten crew members who were aboard the fishing vessel. In the incident, one fisherman lost his life, while another remains missing.

Source: ABP News

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.