Naval personnel attached to the Eastern Naval Command saved an elephant caught in a current in the seas about eight nautical miles off Kokkuthuduwai, Kokilai on Tuesday.
The elephant dragged away by current was initially noticed by a Fast Attack Craft on routine patrol in area. Another Fast Attack Craft on patrol and a team of navy divers were directed to the location by the Navy, thereafter.
Stepping up the rescue effort, two more Cedric Boats along with seven naval personnel attached to the Rapid Action Boat Squadron were also dispatched for the ‘Jumbo’ rescue mission.
Wildlife Department also joined this humongous task providing necessary instructions which became vital in the rescue mission.They were able to direct the elephant towards the coast from the deep sea, by means of ropes. Having safely guided the elephant to the Yan Oya area in Pulmodai , the animal was handed over to Wildlife officials, a Navy media release said.