Twenty-five Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels stranded in waters near India due to adverse weather conditions have been granted permission to enter Indian waters for safety reasons.
The permission was granted following a special request made by the Sri Lankan Government to the Indian Government through the Indian High Commission in Colombo.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has taken this step to ensure the safety of the fishing vessels remaining in waters near India amid the developing Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ over the Bay of Bengal.
The vessels have also been instructed to immediately move away from the affected sea areas and proceed to safe locations, in accordance with advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.
Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has taken steps to officially inform all vessel owners operating in the relevant sea areas of the procedures they should follow in response to the prevailing situation.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has further urged the entire fishing community to remain vigilant and closely monitor upcoming weather warnings and advisories.