Sri Lanka Responds to Distress Call from Iranian Naval Ship In Indian Ocean

COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed today (4) that Sri Lanka launched an immediate rescue operation after receiving reports that a vessel belonging to the Iranian Navy, identified as Iris Dana, was sinking outside Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary, in the Indian Ocean.

The Minister said the distress message was received at around 5.08 a.m. by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Department of Coast Guard.

'Accordingly, we intervened by 6.00 a.m., sending the first naval craft, and by 7.00 a.m. another naval vessel was dispatched,' he stated.

He added that both the Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy joined the rescue mission. Current reports indicate that approximately 180 crew members were on board the vessel, and around 30 individuals were in critical danger.

'To save the lives of those 30 persons, we intervened immediately, and they are now being transported to the Karapitiya Hospital. Some have already arrived,' the Minister confirmed.

Herath emphasized that Sri Lanka is internationally obliged to assist in such emergencies under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (1979), which the country has ratified.

Under this agreement, Sri Lanka must respond to maritime emergencies regardless of nationality, cause, or location beyond its own waters.

'It is our responsibility and duty from a humanitarian standpoint,' he said, adding that Sri Lanka had already taken all urgent, necessary measures as a responsible state.

He further noted that the incident underscores broader regional security concerns, stating that events of this nature highlight vulnerabilities in maritime safety across the region.

'Preventing such issues is our objective. As a government, we have acted swiftly and continue to take the required steps,' he said.