Sri Lanka has announced plans to provide a one-month free visa to Iranian sailors rescued from the country’s waters, offering them temporary refuge as arrangements are made for their return home. The move, confirmed by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, aims to ensure the sailors receive adequate support following the maritime incident.
On Saturday, a Sri Lankan Navy unit transported 204 Iranian naval personnel from the IRIS Bushehr to a secure naval base after the vessel sought assistance due to mechanical failure. The rescue operation came in the wake of a separate, tragic incident earlier in the week.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank near Sri Lanka’s coast following a torpedo attack by a U.S. submarine. The attack claimed the lives of over 80 sailors, marking an unprecedented occurrence in modern naval history, as it is reportedly the first instance since World War II that a warship has sunk due to a submarine-launched torpedo.
The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed that in total, 32 sailors were rescued alive, while 87 bodies were recovered. Authorities have emphasised the scale and severity of the incident and noted the international cooperation required for rescue and repatriation.
Incident Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Torpedo attack on Iranian warship IRIS Dena |
| Date | Wednesday, prior to 8 March |
| Location | Off the coast of Sri Lanka |
| Survivors | 32 Iranian naval personnel |
| Fatalities | 87 confirmed |
| Rescued Personnel from IRIS Bushehr | 204 sailors |
| Sri Lankan Response | Transported sailors to naval base; one-month free visa offered |
Minister Wijepala stated that the free visa is intended to accommodate rescued sailors who may require time before returning to Iran, providing them with legal stay, shelter, and access to necessary facilities. The Sri Lankan government has also assured that the sailors will receive humanitarian support, including food, medical care, and communication facilities while onshore.
This unprecedented naval incident underscores the complexities of maritime security in the region and highlights the collaborative role of Sri Lanka in ensuring the safety and welfare of foreign naval personnel in distress. Officials have further confirmed that ongoing investigations and international liaison will determine the circumstances surrounding the IRIS Dena attack, while maintaining rescue operations and logistical support for affected sailors.
By offering temporary visas and immediate assistance, Sri Lanka has demonstrated both humanitarian commitment and strategic readiness in responding to emergencies at sea, providing a vital lifeline to sailors caught in unforeseen maritime disasters.
