October 26, Colombo (LNW): A group of 14 sailors have been safely rescued after their merchant vessel encountered a serious technical malfunction while navigating waters south of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Navy launched an emergency operation to assist the distressed ship, deploying its offshore patrol vessel SLNS Sayura to carry out the rescue.
The stricken vessel, identified as MV Integrity Star, reportedly suffered a mechanical breakdown roughly 100 nautical miles off the southern coast.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the Navy following a distress alert, with rescue teams working swiftly under challenging sea conditions to ensure the crew’s safety.
According to Navy officials, all 14 crew members—comprising nationals of India, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan—were successfully transferred aboard the naval vessel and are currently en route to Hambantota Harbour for further medical checks and logistical assistance.
