Sri Lanka has dispatched ships and aircraft to rescue 30 Iranian sailors from the frigate Iris Dena, which has begun sinking near the island's territorial waters.
An Iranian frigate, named the Iris Dena, is sinking near the territorial waters of Sri Lanka, prompting a rescue operation involving the deployment of both ships and aircraft. The vessel, carrying a total of 180 crew members, started taking on water early Wednesday morning. Reports indicate that among the crew, 30 sailors have suffered injuries and are being transported to hospitals in the southern region of the island.
Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herathas, confirmed the situation during a statement to parliament, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the incident. The government is mobilizing resources to ensure the safety of the sailors and to mitigate any potential environmental impact caused by the sinking vessel.
This incident raises concerns about maritime safety in the region, particularly given the strategic importance of shipping routes surrounding Sri Lanka. It also emphasizes the need for international cooperation in rescue operations and maritime emergencies, further calling attention to the vulnerabilities faced by naval vessels operating in these waters.
