Questions over safety of sea off Dehiwala, after crocodile grabs man

The coast off the Dehiwala beach has turned to be a risky area for sea bathing after a crocodile grabbed a diver on Monday morning.

Divers looking ornamental fish, fishermen, those snorkelling as well as those bathing regularly visited the area as it was considered safe.

But, after the incident occurred the residents who gathered said they witnessed the crocodile again later in the day and claimed that the officials responsible were slow in acting.

Diver Jayantha Peiris, in his early 50’s was diving in the area for ornamental fish, as he used to do for several years when he was grabbed by the crocodile.

A colleague had witnessed the incident and alerted others on the beach who had rushed to provide assistance.

One of the boats managed to anchor in the vicinity and force the crocodile to let go of the diver enabling his colleagues to bring him back to shore.  However, he was believed to be dead and on admission to hospital, he was pronounced dead.

The crocodile was around 14 ft in length was seen again within the day several times again.

“We urge the authorities to ensure safety of the people in the area”, a resident said.