Four Sri Lankan fishermen have tragically died, and two others are critically ill after ingesting an unknown liquid from bottles they discovered while at sea, as reported by local media.
According to reports, the sailors were on a fishing expedition when they came across the bottles approximately 320 nautical miles from Tangalle, a town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Navy informed journalists that the fishermen mistakenly believed the bottles contained alcohol.
Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, stated to several news outlets that efforts were underway by the navy to bring the fishermen ashore.
He noted concerns about the urgency of medical attention aboard their vessel, the Devon, indicating insufficient time for immediate evacuation to land for treatment.
The BBC has sought confirmation and comment from Mr. Kahawatta and the Sri Lanka Navy.
Mr. Kahawatta disclosed to national news station Ada Derana that the fishermen had distributed some bottles to other crews operating in the vicinity, with ongoing efforts to notify these crews.
The navy informed local media that the Devon was being towed back to shore by another vessel, departing Tangalle on June 4.
The incident has reportedly sparked protests in the coastal town, located approximately 120 miles (193 km) from the capital, Colombo, urging the safe return of surviving sailors to land.
Authorities are presently investigating the contents of the bottles involved in the incident.