COLOMBO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan Navy on Tuesday rescued 11 people on board a merchant ship distressed in the sea off the Colombo Port, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

Those rescued included the captain of the vessel along with 10 of its crew members.

The merchant ship Mutha Pioneer sought help from Sri Lankan authorities, Navy Spokesman Dinesh Bandara said. Its crew comprised of 10 Sri Lankans and one Indonesian.

Bandara said the ship had lost its control and two vessels belonging to the Sri Lankan Navy were dispatched to rescue the crew following its distress call.

The rescued crew members have been handed over to the police.?