Navy rescues crew members from distressed Merchant Vessel

In a swift response to a distress call, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully rescued the crew of the Merchant Vessel (MV) INTEGRITY STAR on 25 Oct 25 and brought them to the Humbantota International Port today morning ( 26 Oct 25).The vessel was in distress due to failure in main engines approximately 100 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka and the crew was in a desperate situation.

Upon receiving the distress alert, the Sri Lanka Navy with the directives from the Ministry of Defence, swiftly deployed the SLNS Samudura for a search and rescue mission, through mediation of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo.

The search and rescue operation by the Navy resulted in the safe recovery of all crew members (14), who are nationals of India, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, MV MORNING GLORY, another Merchant Vessel in the vicinity, was also prepared to assist the distressed vessel, demonstrating effective international cooperation in maritime emergency response.

The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre in Colombo, operating from Naval Headquarters, leads Sri Lanka's efforts to safeguard life at sea. Upholding the nation's commitment to international maritime conventions, the Centre coordinates rescue missions not only within Sri Lanka's search and rescue region but also in neighboring international waters, offering vital aid to the maritime and fishing communities in distress.