Salvage efforts delayed

[TamilNet, Friday, 02 October 1998, 13:17 GMT]
Mannar Kachcheri officials said this afternoon that efforts to salvage the Lion air flight that fell into the sea are stymied because the Sri Lankan Navy (SLN) is refusing permission to fisherman's societies and others who have volunteered to help pull the aircraft out of the sea.

The naval authorities have told the increasing number of people who are eager to reach Naachikudah and Iranaithivu to start the salvaging work that they are awaiting instructions from Colombo.

Civilians have to secure permission from the SLA or the army to reach Iranaithivu and Naachikudah as they are under the control of the Liberation Tigers.

Meanwhile, Lion air officials in Colombo declined to comment on the wreck of their aircraft in the sea off Iranaithivu, saying that they are awaiting information from the Sri Lanka Airforce.

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