SRI LANKA NAVY'S DARING OPERATION TO RECOVER THE CREW OF LU PENG YUAN YU 028
Background of the Mission
In May 2023, the Chinese fishing vessel LU PENG YUAN YU 028 capsized in a remote part of the Indian Ocean, 2500 nautical miles northwest of Australia and 750 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka, following a violent cyclone. The 76.7 meter vessel, manned by a crew of 39, faced sudden disaster, and JRCC Australia quickly informed MRCC Colombo. Sri Lanka’s Navy responded with urgency, sending a specialized team of divers under the command of Diving Officer Lieutenant Commander (CDO) Indika Subhasinghe. This daring mission aimed to search for any survivors trapped within the submerged vessel, with significant support from the China Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
Arrival and Observations at the Scene
On May 20, 2023, the Sri Lanka Navy’s team arrived at the scene on board Sri Lanka Navy Ship Vijayabahu, captained by Commanding Officer Captain Lankanath Dissanayake. Under challenging conditions, the vessel was drifting south-eastward, and rough seas, with wind speeds reaching 20 knots and wave heights of 1 to 2 meters, hampered visibility and manoeuvrability. The strong surface drift further complicated the already hazardous environment, yet the team, spurred by guidance from Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, and under Captain Lankanath Dissanayake’s vigilant supervision, prepared to face these conditions head-on.
The Diving Operation: Perseverance in the Face of Adversity
Despite the substantial risks posed by unpredictable currents, submerged nets, cables, and lines entangled around the capsized vessel, Lieutenant Commander (CDO) Indika Subhasinghe and his team pressed forward. They encountered severe turbulence due to the motion of the wreck, yet courageously accessed the bridge area before moving toward the captain’s accommodation, where they recovered a badly decomposed body. Amid the added challenge of putrefaction, the team displayed extraordinary professionalism in carrying out a careful retrieval.
Their next steps took them to the crew quarters, where they faced extremely limited visibility and collapsing structures that constantly moved with the water currents. Over three gruelling days, the divers ventured through the dining hall, galley, engine room, and other areas where survivors might be found. Tragically, they located 14 bodies but found no survivors. While two bodies were successfully recovered, the state of decomposition and the hazardous underwater conditions prevented the recovery of the remaining remains. However, Lieutenant Commander (CDO) Indika Subhasinghe’s team meticulously documented their findings through maps, video footage, and photographs, which they provided to relevant authorities for further investigation.
Leadership and Support: Key to the Mission’s Success
This mission underscored the critical role of leadership and interagency cooperation. Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera’s direct supervision and hands-on guidance were invaluable, as he understood the challenges from his own experiences as a diving officer. Captain Lankanath Dissanayake and the dedicated crew of Sri Lanka Navy Ship Vijayabahu provided continuous support to the divers, ensuring their safety and readiness to carry out the operation. The unwavering coordination between the Sri Lanka Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre and the China Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre also played a vital role, providing various support throughout the mission.
A Tribute to Bravery and Professionalism
In one of the most challenging environments imaginable, the diving team demonstrated unparalleled courage, professionalism, and teamwork. Equipped with open-circuit SCUBA gear and without underwater communication systems, Lieutenant Commander (CDO) Indika Subhasinghe led his divers into treacherous waters, manoeuvring through underwater obstacles and ensuring each team member's safety. Through strategic planning, rigorous risk assessments, and exemplary leadership, he motivated his team to achieve the highest standards, even under extreme conditions.
The international community has commended the Sri Lanka Navy divers for their selflessness and dedication. Their efforts, undertaken at great personal risk, remain a powerful example of courage. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy Diving & Salvage Unit, this historic mission serves as a testament to the bravery, leadership, and professionalism embodied by Sri Lanka’s finest divers. Following the completion of their operation, the LU PENG YUAN YU 028 ultimately sank to a depth of 5000 meters, underscoring the urgency and significance of their mission.
