Sri Lanka Repatriates 238 Iranian Sailors After Naval Incidents

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lankan authorities have repatriated 238 Iranian sailors who were rescued after one of their warships sank in the Indian Ocean following a torpedo attack by a U.S. submarine, while a second vessel encountered mechanical issues near the island nation's waters.

The incident occurred on March 4, when the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was struck about 40 kilometers off Sri Lanka's southern coast. The ship was en route home after participating in a naval exercise hosted by India. The Sri Lankan navy responded swiftly, recovering 87 bodies from the wreckage and rescuing 32 survivors, who received medical treatment in local hospitals. Officials confirmed the attack originated from a U.S. submarine, though further details on the circumstances remain limited.

A day later, on March 5, the IRIS Bushehr, another Iranian warship, requested assistance due to engine trouble and was towed to a southern port before being relocated to the eastern anchorage at Trincomalee. The vessel carried 206 crew members, who were granted 30-day visas and housed in military camps while arrangements for their return were organized. In total, the sailors from both ships departed Sri Lanka on...