Sri Lankan Navy Rescues Elephant Found Swimming 10 Kilometres Offshore
Ten kilometres off Sri Lanka’s eastern coast, a routine naval patrol spotted an extraordinary sight: a full-grown Asian elephant struggling in the open Indian Ocean, its trunk held high like a snorkel. The animal had been swept away by a strong current while crossing the Kokkilai Lagoon, a regular route during its seasonal migration, and was now miles from the nearest land.
The Sri Lankan Navy immediately launched a complex rescue operation. For nearly twelve hours, divers fought heavy swells to secure soft ropes around the elephant’s body, carefully towing the exhausted two-ton animal back toward shore while wildlife officers monitored its condition. The operation required precise coordination to avoid further stressing the already weakening elephant.
As the water shallowed, the elephant found its footing, surged onto the beach, and let out a thunderous trumpet before disappearing into the coastal jungle. Veterinarians who examined the animal later confirmed it had suffered only minor abrasions and was expected to recover fully. The dramatic rescue, captured on video, quickly went viral worldwide.
