The Sri Lanka Navy has successfully retrieved Fast Attack Craft P 4447 following a multi-stage emergency operation that began when the vessel sank off Angulana on August 15, 2026.
Fast Attack Craft P 4447 was recovered from approximately 80 feet of water on September 11 after sinking during a routine patrol off Angulana on August 15, 2026. According to reporting, the vessel collided with a previously sunken bulk carrier during the incident. Following the recovery, the craft was towed to Colombo Dockyard premises for assessment and repairs.
The emergency response occurred in two distinct phases. An immediate search and rescue operation involving the Navy, Air Force, Police, and local fishermen from Angulana resulted in the rescue of 11 crew members. This phase concluded on September 4 with the recovery of the remains of the vessel's Second in Command, concluding human recovery efforts.
The subsequent salvage phase deployed specialized Navy diving and engineering teams who worked under strict safety protocols to raise the vessel in stages despite challenging underwater conditions and rough seas. The Navy's marine, hull, electrical, and electronic engineering units utilised specialized equipment and technical expertise for the recovery. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Colombo Dockyard PLC provided additional technical support and specialized expertise that contributed to the operation's success.