Helicopter Rescues Stranded Fishermen Sri Lanka, Ireland, Vietnam Amid Rough Seas

Multiple recent maritime rescue operations have highlighted the critical role of helicopters in saving lives at sea. In Sri Lanka, a Bell 412 helicopter was deployed under the Defence Secretary's directive to rescue fishermen stranded off Balapitiya amid a Red Alert for rough seas caused by the southwest monsoon, with authorities warning against venturing into affected waters. Similarly, the Irish Coast Guard used a helicopter equipped with Night Vision Infra-Red System to locate and rescue two crew members from a sunken fishing vessel off Drogheda, utilizing an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon for rapid response. In Vietnam, after a general cargo ship sank due to water ingress, coordinated efforts involving helicopters and multiple vessels successfully rescued all 10 crew members who had drifted miles at sea, with prompt response praised by the government. These incidents underscore the importance of aerial support in maritime search and rescue operations, especially during adverse weather conditions and emergencies. Authorities continue to emphasize caution for maritime communities amid hazardous sea conditions.