Crew evacuated after Iranian naval ship seeks emergency docking near Sri Lankan coast
Sri Lanka has taken control of a second Iranian naval vessel near its waters, just a day after a U.S. submarine sank another Iranian warship in the same region in an attack that reportedly killed at least 87 crew members.
The vessel, IRINS Bushehr, requested permission to dock after experiencing an engine malfunction while sailing near Sri Lanka’s coast. Sri Lankan authorities allowed the ship to enter port following several hours of discussions, with more than 200 crew members evacuated for safety.
Officials said the ship was eventually allowed to dock at the northeastern port of Port of Trincomalee.
Attack on Iranian warship escalates tensions
The development comes a day after an American submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena about 44 nautical miles (81 km) off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, causing the vessel to sink.
The attack reportedly killed at least 87 crew members, while 32 survivors were rescued and taken to hospital in the city of Galle for treatment.
According to the Pentagon, the strike marked the first time since World War II that a U.S. submarine has sunk an enemy vessel using a torpedo.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the strike as a demonstration of American military capability.
Sri Lanka emphasises neutrality in conflict
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the government allowed the Iranian vessel to dock for humanitarian reasons.
“Our position has been to safeguard our neutrality while demonstrating our humanitarian values,” Dissanayake said in a statement.
He added that Sri Lanka’s decision was guided by international conventions and the need to protect human lives, while ensuring the country does not take sides in the ongoing conflict.
Sri Lanka has long maintained a policy of non-alignment since gaining independence in 1948.
Iranian response to U.S. strike
Iran strongly condemned the attack on the IRIS Dena, calling it an “atrocity at sea”.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the United States would “bitterly regret” the strike.
The incident occurred amid widening military tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States, with coordinated strikes on Iranian military targets reported in recent days.
According to reports, around 20 Iranian naval vessels have been destroyed since the escalation began.
Sri Lanka searching for missing sailors
Sri Lanka’s navy is currently conducting search operations in its waters for additional crew members from the sunken Iranian frigate.
Authorities said several sailors are still missing following the attack.
The rescued survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in southern Sri Lanka, while investigations continue into the incident.
Strategic location puts Sri Lanka in middle of conflict
Sri Lanka’s position in the Indian Ocean shipping lanes has placed the country in the middle of rising regional tensions.
The island nation maintains strong ties with both Iran and the United States.
Iran has been an important oil supplier to Sri Lanka, while the United States remains the largest export destination for Sri Lankan apparel and garments.
Officials say the government will continue to balance diplomatic relations while ensuring the country’s maritime security.