After Consuming Contents of Bottles Found Floating at Sea, Five Fishermen Die
SRI LANKA – Five fishermen lost their lives after consuming the contents of bottles they discovered floating at sea. The incident occurred approximately 320 nautical miles from shore and involved six fishermen aboard the fishing trawler Devon 5. Believing the bottles contained alcohol, the fishermen drank from them during their fishing expedition, unaware of the danger within.
As a result, four fishermen died shortly after consuming the liquid, while two others fell seriously ill. The severity of their condition prevented an immediate return to shore, delaying medical assistance. Despite efforts by passing vessels like the MV Kota Camil to rescue and provide medical care, additional fatalities occurred, with a total of five fishermen succumbing to the toxic effects of the unknown substance.
The Sri Lankan Navy responded swiftly, dispatching the SLNS Vijayabahu with a medical team to evacuate the surviving fisherman for urgent treatment at the General Hospital in Hambantota. Concurrently, authorities began investigating the bottles’ contents to determine the cause of death and potential toxicity.
The tragedy sparked a public outcry in Tangalle, where residents protested and demanded the safe return of all fishermen still at sea. Families of the deceased blamed the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for not adequately warning against consuming unknown substances found at sea, highlighting gaps in safety protocols.
Efforts are underway to inform fishermen about the dangers of consuming such findings and to ascertain how many bottles were distributed to other fishing vessels before the fatal incident. The incident underscores the risks faced by fishermen and the critical need for enhanced safety measures and awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Sri Lankan authorities continue to investigate the incident’s circumstances, aiming to provide closure to affected families and prevent such occurrences through improved maritime safety practices and regulations.