Srilanka, June 29 -- Search and rescue operations were under way yesterday off the coasts of Galle and Kalutara as the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Air Force continued efforts to locate four missing fishermen following two separate maritime accidents.

According to Navy sources, the SLN deployed Dvora-class patrol vessels, while the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) despatched a Bell 212 helicopter and a Y-12 aircraft to assist in the search.

In one incident off Galle, a fishing vessel carrying five fishermen reportedly collided with a merchant ship. One fisherman was rescued by the Navy while clinging to the sinking boat, said Naval Director of Media, Commander Buddhika Sampath.

"Our teams also recovered two bodies. The search continues for the ...