Indian fishrmen rescued by Lankan Navy

Rameswaram, Feb 14 (UNI) Three Indian fishermen, who were stranded in the 16th Islet on Sri Lankan waters after their mechanised boat developed a technical snag, was rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy today.

Official sources said five Indian fishermen ventured into the sea yesterday in a registered mechanised fishing boat from Rameswaram Island. When they were fishing in mid sea, the engine failed and they were drifted towards the islet.

However, two fishermen returned to Rameswaram with the help of another boat and informed the matter to the authorities.

The efforts by the remaining crew --Leon, Selvam and Nagarajan-- to take the boat back to sea failed. In the attempt, two of them were reportedly injured.

A Sri Lankan naval patrol vessel found the stranded fishermen and took them to the Island nation. The injured were admitted to a hospital at Talaimannar.

Meanwhile, the Indian authorities took up the matter with the Lankan Government and arragements were being made to repatriate them.

After getting consent from the Sri Lankan Government, a 'salvage team' would be sent to repatriate them, the sources added.

UNI GSM SJ MSJ RN2108