Parakramabahu - P 351

HAIQUING CLASS – Anti-Submarine warfare ship

DISPLACEMENT - 478 Т,
Speed-28 Crew-71
Arms--4-37мм, 4-14,5мм, 2 trumpet depth-charge mortars

Acquired in 1995.

The sub-chaser the Sri Lankan government bought, to chase the imaginary tamil tiger submarine. The word 'intelligence' does take a special meaning in cases like these.

Ol' Para went belly-up when the tsunami hit the Galle harbour, and was resurrected at very low-cost with the help of local talent.

Here's how the Navy's web site described the resurrection of this veteran old ship..

" The Chinese built, submarine chaser P 351 which capsized and sank at the base pier in Galle harbour on 26^th December 2004 as a result Tsunami, was salvaged. The vessel rested on seabed about 65⁰ to starboard side, and a part of super structure and a part of the hull of the port side was visible. Most of the scuttle and the hatches had been open at the time of the calamity and therefore a load of fine mud had been accumulated in the vessel adding extra weight. However, all possible magazine items from the armouries and the main armaments were initially removed.

At first, the Naval divers managed to go into the compartments and shut the scuttles and hatches. Thereafter pumping of water out began and the vessel was secured to the pier with wire ropes by means of a created lever action. The salvage attempts were made using winch barge and the tug provided by the Silk Route Supplier of M/S Master Divers. Though the task was time consuming use of gas cutting, shape charges, turfo winches and chain blocks were used in the attempts made. Two barges obtained from Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the services of the dredger “Ruhunu Putha” was used to hold the vessel from two bollards to minimize rolling. Diving in the narrow sea bed and securing the sunk vessel was indeed a risky task undertaken by the divers and other supporting sailors.

Demise of Leading Diver BKWK Kudahetti, HD 30136 was a sorrowful incident at the time of the peak of the success of the task.

The Navy could complete the operation at a cost of Rs. 450,000.00 avoiding an incurrence of Rs. 80 million, if the task/operation was assigned to a local or a foreign organization.

The salvage operation was completed by 0430 hrs on 15^th May 2005.

It is indeed worthwhile to mention, in gratitude, the services, cooperation and support extended by outside organization and personnel in the operation to make it a complete success..."