© 2023 Dr Margaret Sheppard

Beaching Fishing Boats

Orus can be beached by one man, especially on a flat beach. However, often other fishermen or passers-by will help to drag the oru above the tide line.

On steeply shelving beaches, such as Godawaya in Hambantota District, several hands are required to pull the boat out of the water and up above the high tide line.  The incoming waves are used to lift the boat out of the water and then once out, all hands heave together.

These “Helping Hands” are often rewarded with a fish especially following a successful fishing trip.