Sri Lankan Seafarers Detained in Iran to Be Released

23-Jun-2026

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The Iranian government has agreed to release Sri Lankan seafarers who were detained by Iranian authorities while serving aboard a merchant vessel in international waters.

The agreement was reached following several weeks of diplomatic negotiations between Sri Lankan and Iranian officials.

Director General of the Merchant Shipping Secretariat Asanga Deshapriya stated that the government acted immediately after learning of the detention of the vessel carrying Sri Lankan crew members.

Authorities confirmed that three Sri Lankan seafarers were on board the vessel, which was taken into Iranian custody. An official notification regarding the incident was received on April 22.

Following the notification, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat initiated standard procedures for handling cases involving detained seafarers abroad and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate their release.

After continuous discussions with Iranian authorities, arrangements have now been made for the release of the crew members.

According to an official communication received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last Friday, two of the three seafarers are expected to be repatriated to Sri Lanka.

While the release has brought relief to their families and the maritime community, authorities have maintained strict confidentiality regarding their personal details.