The Sri Lanka navy has rescued an elephant from the sea about eight nautical miles off the shore of Kokilai, a town on the north-east coast of the island nation.

The elephant had been dragged away by the current and was initially noticed by a patrol boat. Navy divers were then sent to the area to save it.

The navy team was helped by officials from the department of wildlife.

With ropes they were able to direct the elephant toward the coast at the Yan Oya area of Pulmodai, south of Kokilai.

The animal was handed over to the wildlife officials for further help.

AP