The Sri Lanka Navy is currently engaged in extensive Search and Rescue (SAR) operations following two incidents involving capsized fishing vessels off the coasts of Galle and Kalutara, Navy Spokesperson Capt. Gayan Wickramasooriya informed The Sunday Morning. 

Out of seven fishermen involved across both incidents, one has been rescued alive, two bodies have been recovered, and four fishermen remain missing as search efforts intensify.

In the incident off Galle, a multi-day fishing trawler is suspected to have collided with a merchant vessel, causing it to overturn. At the time of the mishap, five fishermen had been on board. 

Upon receiving the distress information, the Navy had launched a rescue mission, deploying rescue craft, specialised subject matter expert teams, and divers, with valuable assistance from the Air Force. The local fishing community had also provided crucial initial support.

As a result of these efforts, one fisherman had been rescued and transferred to the Karapitiya Hospital. 

The bodies of two fishermen had also been retrieved and brought to shore for identification. 

The SAR operation for the remaining two missing fishermen is actively continuing with the involvement of the Navy and the Air Force.

Separately, a fibreglass dinghy carrying two fishermen capsized off Kalutara. In response, the Navy promptly deployed rescue craft and mission teams to the area. 

Both fishermen from this particular incident are currently unaccounted for and SAR operations are underway in the Kalutara vicinity to locate them.

Captain Wickramasooriya confirmed that all individuals involved in both incidents were fishermen.