DATELINE: 27 December 2002

LOST DIVERS RECOVERED AFTER 24 HOURS IN INDIAN OCEAN

A group of three men, including one British diver, and their Sri Lankan-based dive guides were rescued by fishermen after spending the night at sea.
The group were reported missing in Negombo after they failed to return from a dive. The Sri Lankan Navy started a search, but strong winds had taken them a considerable distance out to sea.
The Dutch, German and British tourists, together with their guides, were eventually spotted the following day by local fishermen approximately 10 miles south of their original position. Despite being in considerable distress, the men were reported to be in good health.