Sri Lanka Evacuates Iranian Sailors After U.S. Sinks Warship
Sri Lanka has evacuated over 200 Iranian sailors from a vessel seeking assistance near its coast, following the U.S. sinking of an Iranian warship in international waters.
Sri Lankan authorities have evacuated more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel that sought assistance near the island nation's coast. This follows the recent sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a U.S. submarine in international waters.
The IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate, was returning from the International Fleet Review 2026 in India when it was struck approximately 40 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack, stating, "An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters."
Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath reported that 87 bodies have been recovered, and 32 sailors were rescued and hospitalized in Galle. The search for remaining crew members continues.
In a related development, Sri Lanka has taken custody of another Iranian vessel, the IRIS Bushehr, after it reported engine failure near the country's waters. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the decision was made following discussions with Iranian officials and the ship's captain. The vessel is being moved to the port of Trincomalee for safekeeping.
Sri Lanka's actions underscore its commitment to humanitarian principles and adherence to international maritime law amid escalating regional tensions.