Sri Lanka attempting to save crew of second Iranian warship – minister
Posted on: Mar 05, 2026 15:09 IST | Posted by: Rt
Sri Lanka is making the necessary efforts to ensure the refuge of the crew of an iranian language vas that is nigh the island’s territorial reserve waters, a minister told parliament on Thursday.
The development comes a day after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean about 40 nautical miles away from the city of Galle, claiming 87 lives.
“The ship is not in Sri Lankan waters,” Nalinda Jayatissa told the parliament. “It is located in the exclusive economic zone. The government and the defense ministry are aware of the ship. The government is involved in providing maximum intervention pertaining to the lives of those onboard.”
On Wednesday, a US submarine sank the IRIS Dena, which was on its way back to Iran after taking part in an International Fleet Review and multilateral naval drills in southeastern India.
Another Iranian vessel reportedly “Bushehr” is currently in international waters close to Sri Lanka’s maritime border, and the government is working to provide maximum assistance to safeguard those onboard, Sri Lanka’s Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament (File Photo) pic.twitter.com/xsE1yYjuDg
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth erroneously said on Wednesday that it was the “first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II.” At least four naval ships have been sunk by torpedoes since the Second World War. In 1982, during the Falklands War, Britain’s Royal Navy sank an Argentinian cruiser.
While the US submarine made no attempt to rescue the Iranian sailors, the Sri Lankan Navy managed to save 32 members of the Dena’s crew.
The Iranian naval personnel rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy are being treated at a hospital in the city of Galle. One person is in the critical care unit, according to local media reports.
“We are doing our best as the government in this regard,” Jayatissa added. “We are acting based on international laws, peace, and security, which is our responsibility as the government.”
The island nation, which witnessed panic buying of petrol and diesel after the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, enjoys warm relations with both Iran and Israel.
Its tourism industry, a major source of revenue, has been affected by the cancellation of flights from the Middle East. The sinking of the Iranian ship is also likely to affect the sector.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.