Sri Lanka is working to assist the crew of an Iranian vessel located near its territorial waters following the sinking of another Iranian frigate by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka is currently taking measures to save the crew of an Iranian vessel located in international waters near its maritime border. The announcement was made by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa during a parliamentary session, stating that the ship is in the country's exclusive economic zone, though not within territorial waters. The government is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the crew aboard the vessel amid rising tensions following a recent incident involving the US Navy.
The urgency of the situation escalated after a US submarine torpedoed the IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate, approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka. This attack resulted in the deaths of 87 crew members and has heightened concerns regarding maritime security in the region. The sinking of the IRIS Dena occurred while it was returning from participating in an International Fleet Review and naval drills, indicating its strategic involvement in international naval operations.
Furthermore, it has been reported that another Iranian vessel, the Bushehr, is also in proximity to Sri Lanka’s waters. The Sri Lankan government is actively coordinating efforts with its defense ministry to address the potential risk to lives at sea and manage the evolving situation, which could have broader implications for regional stability amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.
