In an extraordinary display of rescue efforts, the Sri Lankan navy successfully saved an elephant found struggling five miles offshore, desperately keeping its trunk above water.

The dramatic 12-hour rescue unfolded when the navy, in partnership with wildlife authorities, launched a mission upon discovering the distressed elephant off the island’s northeast coast. Navy spokesperson Chaminda Walakuluge provided insights into the operation.

Watch the video at the end.

With the aid of wildlife officials, divers carefully approached the distressed elephant, skillfully wrapping ropes around it and gently towing it to shallower waters near the coast. The animal was safely released late yesterday.

Believed to have been swept out to sea while crossing the Kokkilai lagoon, a significant water body between two jungle areas, the elephant’s plight caught the attention of rescuers.

Walakuluge explained that elephants often navigate shallow waters or swim across to seek better pathways.

This successful rescue operation comes on the heels of a recent incident where the navy and residents saved a group of 20 pilot whales stranded near Trincomalee, a popular whale-watching destination.

The image captured the Sri Lanka Navy divers’ efforts as they secured a rope around the stranded elephant, struggling to stay afloat off the East coast of the island. Fortunately, the elephant was guided back to shore safely.

The area is renowned for its significant population of blue and sperm whales, with the surrounding jungles serving as a habitat for wild elephants.