Sri Lankan authorities assisted an Iranian naval supply ship after it requested urgent support while operating near the island’s exclusive economic zone in the aftermath of the sinking of the Iranian frigate Dena in the Indian Ocean.
The ship IRIS Bushehr approached waters off Sri Lanka in early March and requested permission to dock after reporting technical problems and carrying a large number of personnel. Sri Lankan officials said the vessel remained outside territorial waters while authorities considered the request.
The 3,300-dwt auxiliary ship, commissioned in 1974 and measuring approximately 108 meters in length, was reportedly carrying more than 200 personnel including naval officers, cadets, and sailors. The vessel is believed to have been operating in support of the frigate Dena, which had recently taken part in a multinational naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal before the incident.
Following consultations within the Sri Lankan government, the vessel was allowed to approach the country’s coast under humanitarian arrangements. Sri Lanka began disembarking 208 Iranian crew members near Colombo for medical checks and temporary accommodation. According to officials, the group included 53 officers, 84 cadets, 48 senior sailors and 23 sailors.
Most of the personnel were transported to a naval facility at Welisara, about 18 kilometers from Colombo, while a small group of approximately 15 crew members remained aboard the ship to assist with navigation. Sri Lankan naval units and tugs later escorted the vessel toward Trincomalee, a major naval port on the island’s eastern coast.
Government sources indicated that engine problems aboard the ship contributed to the request for assistance.
The situation followed the sinking of the Iranian frigate Dena approximately 19 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka. During search operations Sri Lankan naval rescue units recovered 32 survivors and more than 80 bodies. Sri Lanka continued SAR operations in cooperation with the Indian Navy.
Sri Lankan officials stated that the government’s response was guided by humanitarian considerations while the country seeks to avoid becoming directly involved in the wider regional conflict. Diplomatic coordination is ongoing regarding the repatriation of the deceased sailors and further assistance to the Iranian personnel.
