Elephant rescued after it was swept out to sea

SRI LANKA — Navy officers made a shocking discovery more than 9 miles out to sea – an elephant struggling to survive.

The Sri Lanka Ministry of Defense said the elephant was found during routine patrol Tuesday off the island's eastern region of Kokilai.

The officers jumped into the waters and eventually were able to tie a rope around the elephant.

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Videos posted by the navy showed the animal trying to keep its trunk above the water as divers approached it.

They eventually guided it to dry land where it was handed over wildlife officials.

Officials told the AFP that the animal had likely got swept into the sea while crossing a lagoon.

Navy troops said it had saved several such animals in distress at previously, as well.

Cox Media Group