Sri Lanka Moves 208 Iranian Sailors To Naval Camp After US Submarine Sinks Warship Near Its Coast

Sri Lankan authorities have moved 208 Iranian sailors to a naval camp after escorting a second Iranian naval vessel into harbour, two days after a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka’s coast.

Sri Lanka’s navy escorted the Iranian naval auxiliary vessel IRIS Booshehr to harbour after the ship reported engine problems while sailing inside Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Officials said the vessel had become stranded outside Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary but still within its EEZ.

Sri Lankan naval tugboats and patrol vessels approached the ship and helped guide it safely towards port. Images released by Sri Lanka’s Presidential Media Division showed Iranian sailors stepping off the vessel carrying suitcases and personal bags.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Sri Lanka had a humanitarian responsibility to assist the crew.

Officials said around 15 crew members are still on board the Booshehr to help with navigation while authorities handle the vessel.

The sailors were first taken to Colombo port, Sri Lanka’s main commercial harbour. Authorities said the 208 crew members underwent medical checks before being transported in groups to a navy camp in Welisara, about 18 kilometres from Colombo.

Government sources said the sailors would stay at the naval facility temporarily while officials decide the next steps.

The Booshehr arrived in Sri Lankan waters one day after the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk in the Indian Ocean.

According to reports, the warship was returning from India after taking part in a naval exercise when it was struck by a torpedo fired from a U.S. submarine about 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coast.

Officials said 87 sailors were killed in the attack.

Iranian officials thanked Sri Lanka for helping rescue survivors from the warship.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, speaking to reporters in New Delhi, said the vessel that was attacked was not carrying weapons at the time. He said the ship was unloaded and unarmed and was on a ceremonial voyage when it was hit.

References: thefinancialexpress, reuters