The fishing trawler DESHAN LANKA which allegedly caught fire and sunk and subsequently resulted in the survival of her 4 Sri-Lankan crew members who were rescued from their life-raft between Witsand and Still Bay has been found floating submerged beneath the sea surface with just her nose sticking out of the water 4 nautical miles from Witsand (in the direction of Still Bay) and 2 nautical miles off-shore (out of eye-sight from land).
See: 4 Seamen Rescued After the Deshan Lanka catches fire and sinks
NSRI Witsand were contacted by fishermen who had come across the submerged vessel last night. At first light NSRI Witsand launched their sea rescue craft Queenie Payne to investigate the discovery.
NSRI Still Bay are arranging an anchor from Mossel Bay and they will attempt, later today, to secure an anchor in an effort to prevent her from drifting further (and possibly not being able to be found again).
Maritime Radio Services are broadcasting a navigational warning to ships in the area to warn of the navigational hazard. The trawler is 72 feet (18 meters) long.
SAMSA (The South African Maritime Safety Authority) have been informed and any environmental threat will be investigated and a decision on what is to become of the vessel and further steps to be taken to be decided.
