In a remarkable incident off the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, members of the Sri Lankan Navy encountered a surprising sight: two elephants struggling in the water, seemingly pulled out to sea by strong currents. Could they leave them there? What was the best course of action?
Members of the Sri Lankan Navy had a shock a few months ago as they sailed along the northeast coast of this tear-shaped island found at the bottom of India’s most southern tip. They could see two large objects in the water together with what looked like two submarine periscopes. They went to investigate and discovered that they were looking at two elephants. Somehow, they had been pulled out to sea by strong currents and were in distress. The Sri Lankan Navy snapped into action.
First, they contacted the Department of Wildlife as they required some expert advice and help. Then, they called in three Fast Attack Craft boats with navy divers. They sailed as close as they could to the elephants, dived into the sea, and tied ropes around each animal. In this way, they were able to help the elephants to remain afloat. They then tied more ropes to the elephants, which were tied to the back of the boats. The elephants were then slowly towed to shore.
Elephants are a protected species in Sri Lanka because their numbers have dropped considerably in the past 60 years. Two hundred years ago, there were over 14,000 elephants in Sri Lanka. A survey in 2011 suggested there were now only 5,879. This reduction has been caused by the forests being destroyed to allow more construction. Poachers also kill elephants for their ivory. It is a crime to kill an elephant. If you are found guilty, you are sentenced to death.
Surprisingly, elephants are good swimmers, but they can tire easily. They are also very buoyant. It is thought that they first arrived in Sri Lanka after swimming across a 24-kilometre channel between Sri Lanka and Southern India.
This was the second time within a few weeks that the Sri Lankan Navy had rescued elephants from the sea. They’ve done a great job. As for the elephants? Once they reached the beach, they made a run for the jungle. This was certainly an experience they will always remember, because elephants never forget, do they?
Question:
Watch the rescue take place
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