At least 11 persons were killed and several others went missing after a boat carrying a group of people capsized in sea off Katukurunda coast today.

15 people were on the board when the accident took place.

The police said the remains of the deceased have been taken to the Nagoda hospital. A search operation is underway with the assistance from the Navy and Sri Lanka Air Force to locate the missing persons. The Navy has deployed several boats, while an Air Force Bell 212 helicopter has also been deployed to assist the rescue operation.

The boat was among several vessels that departed for Kalutara from the Beruwala fisheries harbour for a religious purpose.

19 boats had been deployed for the religious ceremony.