This handout photograph released by the Sri Lankan Navy shows the rescues of an elephant that was spotted struggling to stay afloat in deep sea waters, some eight kilometres (five miles) off the island's northeast coast.
The Sri Lankan navy “miraculously” rescued an elephant in distress in the open sea where the current had deported it, its spokesperson announced on Wednesday.
It took no less than twelve hours for the navy, once the animal was reported, to rescue the pachyderm which was struggling to stay on the surface eight kilometers from the coast of this island in the Indian Ocean. Photos show him holding his trunk above the water so he can breathe.
Divers assisted by wildlife conservators approached the mammal and put ropes around its body. They were then towed close to shore, where he was released Tuesday evening.
According to Navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge, the current likely carried the elephant as it passed through Kokkilai lagoon (northeastern Sri Lanka), a large body of water that lies between two areas. of jungle.
“They usually wade through shallow water or even swim to take a shortcut,” the official said. “It’s a miraculous end for the elephant,” he added.
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