Iranian Vessel Rescue Conducted on Humanitarian Grounds: Foreign Minister

05-Mar-2026

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Individuals aboard an Iranian naval vessel that was in danger of sinking in waters outside Sri Lanka’s territorial limits have been safely rescued.

Thirty of those rescued were admitted to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle for treatment.

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath stated in Parliament on March 4 that the rescue was carried out in accordance with international maritime law, maritime conventions and humanitarian principles.

The vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, reportedly encountered distress in the early hours of March 4. At approximately 5:08 a.m., the Sri Lanka Navy and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received information that the vessel was in danger of sinking.

The Navy and Air Force jointly initiated rescue operations. The first rescue team was dispatched at 6:00 a.m., followed by a second team at 7:00 a.m.

The vessel was believed to have had 180 individuals on board, of whom 30 were reported to be in critical condition. Those rescued were transported safely and admitted to hospital.

The minister emphasized that under international maritime law, Sri Lanka has a responsibility to provide initial assistance when a vessel encounters distress in waters close to its maritime zone.

Meanwhile, thirty-two Iranian naval personnel rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy are currently receiving treatment at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle.

They were brought ashore on March 4, 2026 following a maritime accident involving an Iranian vessel approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle.

The Sri Lanka Navy carried out the rescue operation and transported the survivors safely to shore.

They are undergoing treatment in the hospital.