by Ruby Nitzberg

An elephant was doomed to drown on Tuesday until the Sri Lankan Navy saved the day.

A strong current had pulled the elephant out to see where he struggled to stay afloat. The animal was first spotted by a small naval boat on patrol off the northeastern coast of of Kokkuthuduwai in Kokilai.

The patrol had to call for reinforcements, including divers who tied a rope around the massive mammal and began pulling him back to shore.

After a six-hour rescue, the elephant finally made it back on land where wildlife officials were waiting to ensure the elephant got the medical attention he needed.

It’s a reminder that while some elephants can fly, this one couldn’t even swim.

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