P413 crew commanded by Lieutenant Commander Lalith Ekanayake yesterday demonstrated the sheer determination and gallantry possessed by the sea warriors of Navy's Fourth Fast Attack Craft Flotilla by destroying two explosive laden suicide craft of LTTE. Having detected the terrorist's sea move P413 along with other FACs valiantly engaged the terrorist boats despite being heavily out numbered by the enemy. Lieutenant Commander Ekanayke made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland while eleven of his men have gone missing in action.

According to the final reports of the battle, P 413 had engaged the enemy from the front and destroyed several LTTE attack craft during the battle. Meanwhile, two suicide boats had sped towards P 413 making the crew to engage with both suicide boats simultaneously.

The reports said that none of the suicide boats could reach the craft as P 413 crew had destroyed them successfully. However, the two explosions had made the craft to lose its engine power, compelling the crew to confront with outnumbered enemy but with no ability make evasive maneuvers. The crew had successfully defended the craft till assistance arrived during the battle, reports further said.

Navy said the craft has sunk due to the serious damages that it had received on its hull. However, it is not impossible to salvage the craft, the sources added.

Search operation is underway.

Courtesy - Sri Lanka Defence