Sri Lanka Rescues 32 Crew Members from Injured Iranian Frigate 'IRIS Dena'

Colombo. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Viyathissa Herath stated that Sri Lanka rescued 32 crew members of the Iranian frigate “IRIS Dena” who were injured. Herath mentioned that the cause of the accident is not yet known and that the injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

It was previously reported that information was issued regarding 180 crew members being in distress. The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence stated that they are searching for other crew members of the IRIS Dena, which crashed approximately 40 kilometers south of the island.

Citing officials, AFP reported that although the search operation is ongoing, the possibility of finding the remaining members alive is slim. Herath stated that two Sri Lankan army ships were deployed for the rescue operation.

Army spokesperson Buddhika Sampath stated that they were rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment in accordance with Sri Lanka's maritime responsibility. AFP quoted Sampath as saying that Sri Lanka addressed the distress call under international obligation because the incident occurred within Sri Lanka's search and rescue zone in the Indian Ocean.

Both the Sri Lankan Army and Air Force stated they have not released footage of the rescue, and police have increased security surveillance around the Galle hospital premises because the injured Iranians were brought there for treatment.