Sri Lanka, Oct. 10 -- Captain Sardha Gerard De Silva retired recently with honours and salutation at Australia's Townsville port after more than five decades of dedicating his life to seafaring and "piloting"-- one of the most daunting tasks connected with ports and merchant shipping.

In a rare feat which can be called a great triumph, De Silva has completed 40 years as a Marine Pilot and nearly 53 years as a seafarer, piloting more than 23000 vessels.

"These vessels included small fishing crafts to massive container ships, cruise liners, livestock carriers, vehicle carriers, naval vessels, and even submarines," the 73-year-old Captain who made his final journey on August 26, told the Daily Mirror.

"For nearly 53 years, my life was ...