Dutch Student Rescued in Hatton Forest After Grueling Mountain Ordeal
In a daring rescue operation, the Hatton Police successfully saved a 20-year-old Dutch student who had become stranded on a steep cliff in the dense forests of the Singimale mountain range.
Luna Dugat, a student from Amsterdam, Netherlands, is currently in Sri Lanka participating in a research project at the University of Ruhuna. The ordeal began on Monday (April 6, 2026), when she set out to explore the Singimale peak in Hatton and lost her way in the thick wilderness.
The Rescue Mission
After becoming trapped on a precipitous rock face with no way to descend, the student managed to send out a distress signal. Acting on the instructions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pradeep Weerasekera, a specialized police team was immediately dispatched.
- Location Tracking: Rescuers utilized GPS technology to pinpoint her exact coordinates amidst the rugged terrain.
- The Operation: Police officers trekked through dense forest and steep mountain paths to reach her. Upon finding her in a weakened state, they provided her with essential food and water before carefully guiding her down the mountain.
A Tearful Farewell
Following the hours-long rescue effort, a visibly emotional Luna Dugat expressed her profound gratitude to the Hatton Police, stating that they had essentially snatched her from the “clutches of death.”
Safety Advisory for Travelers
Following the incident, police authorities have issued a safety advisory for tourists and researchers:
“It is vital for those venturing into dense forest areas and mountain ranges to seek the assistance of local guides. The terrain can be deceptive, and safety must remain the top priority.”
