The Department of Wildlife Conservation says that a dugong that was trapped in a fishermen’s net in Vidathtalthivu, Katlampiddi, Mannar District, Northern Province, was rescued safely and returned to the ocean.
The department says that the fishermen who found the animal immediately removed the net and released the animal back into the sea. The dugong, estimated to weigh between 300-350 kilograms, was found about 4.25 kilometers from the shore.
Due to the continuous public awareness efforts made by wildlife officials about the endangered species, the fishermen have taken steps to identify the animal and release it safely.
The owner of the fishing vessel and the fishermen have also confirmed that the released dugong swam back into the ocean without any injuries.