Leave waters near Andaman Islands immediately; Fisheries Department

22-Sep-2026

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The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has advised all multi-day fishing vessels engaged in fishing in the deep-sea areas near the Andaman Islands to immediately leave the area and move to safer waters, as rough seas and strong winds are expected in the coming days due to a low-pressure area that has formed in the region.

Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Susanta Kahawatte said that the situation had developed in the eastern part of the country, particularly in the deep-sea area near the Andaman Islands.

Director General Susanta Kahawatte further stated:

The low-pressure area is gradually intensifying and is expected to move towards India and make landfall there. It may take several more days for its effects to completely subside.

Accordingly, owners and crew members of multi-day fishing vessels operating in the sea area near the Andaman Islands have already been advised to immediately leave the area and proceed towards the coast or another safe location. They have also been advised to travel towards Sri Lanka, in a southerly direction, in order to move away from the low-pressure area as quickly as possible.

However, it has been observed that some multi-day fishing vessels are still engaged in fishing in the affected area. Continuing fishing operations under such circumstances could expose the vessels and their crew members to danger due to rough seas and strong winds that may develop in the coming days.

Meanwhile, as the effects of the low-pressure area may also be felt in other sea areas surrounding the country, small-scale fishermen have been advised to take into consideration the sea conditions and wind speeds prevailing on each day before engaging in fishing activities.

Based on the prevailing situation, no decision has been taken to impose a nationwide ban on fishing activities. However, the situation is being continuously monitored, and necessary instructions regarding fishing activities will be issued from time to time in accordance with weather advisories issued by the Department of Meteorology.

Therefore, all fishermen have been requested to carefully follow the weather advisories and safety instructions issued by the Department of Meteorology and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and to decide whether to venture out to sea or refrain from fishing based on the prevailing sea conditions.

Fishermen have also been requested to wear life jackets at all times when going to sea for fishing, while engaged in fishing and when returning to shore.