Four died after drinking from bottles recovered in the sea.

According to local media accounts, four Sri Lankan fishermen perished and two are severely ill after eating an unknown substance from bottles found at sea. 

The sailors were believed to be on a fishing excursion when they found the bottles, about 320 nautical miles from Tangalle, a town on the island's southern shore.

 The Sri Lanka Navy told reporters that the fisherman had drunk from the bottles, believing they contained alcohol.

Susantha Kahawatte, Director General of the Sri Lankan Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, informed many sites that the navy was attempting to return them to shore. 

He reportedly stated that the navy was providing medical attention to the crew aboard the fishing vessel, the Devon, due to worries that they would not have enough time to return to land for treatment. 

The BBC has contacted Mr. Kahawatta and the Sri Lanka Navy for confirmation and reaction.

Mr Kahawatta told national TV network Ada Derana that the fisherman had given some of the bottles to other crews working in the region. 

He also stated that attempts to alert these personnel were being made. 

The navy informed local media that another vessel was towing the Devon back to land. It took off from Tangalle on June 4th. 

The event reportedly sparked protests in the seaside town, which is approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers) from the capital, Colombo, appealing for the sailors who were still alive to be returned to land. 

Authorities are currently investigating the contents of the bottles.