Authorities have opened an investigation into a boat accident near Nagadeepa that left ten people requiring hospital treatment, with officials ordered to examine safety protocols and equipment provisions.
The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated an inquiry into a maritime incident that occurred off Nagadeepa, involving a vessel carrying ten passengers. The boat, which was en route from Kurikattuwan Jetty to Delft, encountered difficulties near Nagadeepa yesterday afternoon. All occupants—comprising two boat operators and eight additional passengers—were rescued by naval personnel and subsequently admitted to medical facilities.
Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Officials have been directed to determine the underlying cause of the incident and to assess whether adequate safety measures were implemented during the voyage. A particular focus of the inquiry will be establishing whether passengers were provided with sufficient life jackets and whether maritime safety protocols were properly followed.
Further instructions from the minister require authorities to reinforce compliance with established maritime safety procedures across all passenger vessels. The minister has emphasized the need for preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of similar accidents occurring in the future. The investigation represents part of broader efforts to strengthen passenger safety standards in Sri Lankan waters.
