
Several displacing Vaharai refugees die in sea as their boat capsize
Since Friday morning Sri Lankan military has intensified artillery shelling into Vaharai. Desperate refugees have taken to the sea on boats with babies and children to save their lives.
Even experienced fishermen will not go to sea at this time of the year when the sea is very rough. Despite this the desperate refugees have taken to sea. Three boats carrying the refugees have capsized. Three bodies of drowned refugees have so far been recovered. Further five drowned refugees who are in critical condition were admitted to Vaharai hospital. Another empty boat has reached Valaichenai shore without refugees. Searching operation is going in the sea. This incident was informed to ICRC and SLMM in Batticaloa District.
15 December 2006
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