Sri Lankan authorities carried out a coordinated rescue operation today after an Iranian naval vessel reported distress approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle. The Sri Lanka Navy successfully rescued 35 personnel from the affected ship and commenced transferring them safely to shore.
The Ministry of Defence stated that arrangements have been made to admit the rescued individuals to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle for medical assessment and treatment. The rescue mission was initiated promptly upon receipt of a distress communication indicating that the vessel was in danger of sinking.
In support of maritime operations, the Sri Lanka Air Force deployed a surveillance aircraft to monitor the area and assist with ongoing search efforts.
Addressing Parliament today (04), Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath clarified that the Iranian naval vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, was not located within Sri Lankan territorial waters at the time of the incident. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Sri Lanka undertook the operation in keeping with its humanitarian obligation to safeguard lives at sea.
The Minister further noted that the vessel was carrying 180 personnel at the time of the incident, and that rescue efforts remain ongoing to ensure the safety and well-being of all crew members
Sri Lanka Rescues Iranian Naval Crew off Galle
