Fishermen return after 17-day ordeal

20 February 2011 06:38 am Views - 3339

Three Sri Lankan fishermen, who were captured and later released by Somalian pirates last month, returned to Mirissa last night after the 17-day sea ordeal.

Five fishermen, who had set out from Mirissa in January were captured by the Somalian pirates while fishing in international waters some 2000 nautical miles away from the Sri Lankan shore.

Two of the fishermen were shot and killed by the pirates on January 27. Later on February 3, the remaining three fishermen were released by the pirates.

On their returned yesterday, these fishermen had handed over to the Police a few empty cartridges and a torch that were left behind by the pirates, for investigation and legal process. Interestingly, the torch had borne a picture of US President Barack Obama.

A large number of people and relatives thronged the Mirissa fishing harbour to welcome the fishermen who were fortunate to survive.

(By R.G.W.Jayawardane-Weligama)
For pictures
http://www.dailymirror.lk/news/images/9893-back-home.html