Second Iranian Vessel Requests Emergency Docking in Sri Lanka Following US Warship Sinking
A second Iranian ship has been reported sailing close to Sri Lanka's territorial waters and has submitted an urgent request to dock at Colombo port, just one day after a US submarine sank an Iranian frigate, resulting in the deaths of more than 80 people on board. The Sri Lankan minister Nalinda Jayatissa informed parliament on Thursday morning that the vessel was approaching the country's western coast, prompting immediate government intervention.
Urgent Request for Engine Repairs Amid Regional Security Concerns
Sources have revealed that the ship is a logistical pipe-laying vessel, not classified as a warship, and may be as close as 10 nautical miles from Sri Lanka's coast, placing it within sovereign waters. The vessel, which reportedly carries a crew of over 100 individuals, has made an emergency appeal to dock at Colombo port for essential engine repairs. According to opposition MP Namal Rajapaksa, the ship has sought government permission for an urgent port call but has not yet received clearance.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting with his cabinet and defence officials on Thursday to deliberate on an appropriate response to the vessel's request. Minister Jayatissa emphasised that the government is taking necessary steps to resolve the issue, restrict threats to lives, and ensure regional security in light of the escalating tensions.
Background: US Torpedo Attack Sinks Iranian Warship Iris Dena
The incident follows the sinking of the Iranian warship Iris Dena by a US torpedo on Tuesday, as the vessel was returning home after participating in a military training exercise in India. The deadly submarine attack rapidly sank the warship, claiming the lives of at least 87 sailors and marking a significant escalation in the US-Israeli assault on Iran. This event represents the first instance of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East region.
In response to the attack, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning, stating that the US would "bitterly regret" the atrocity. He highlighted that the frigate Dena, which was carrying nearly 130 sailors as guests of India's Navy, was struck without warning in international waters, approximately 2,000 miles from Iran's shores.
Rescue Operations and Aftermath of the Iris Dena Sinking
The Sri Lankan navy and coastguard responded to a distress call from the Iris Dena in the early hours of Wednesday morning. However, upon arrival, they found only an oil slick and survivors clinging to life rafts, as the vessel had already sunk. Rescue operations continued on Thursday, with at least six more bodies retrieved from the sea, adding to the tragic toll.
Casualties from the sinking have been taken to the main hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka, where 32 rescued Iranians are still receiving treatment under tight security provided by police and military personnel. Authorities are also preparing to hand over the remains of 87 Iranian sailors killed in the attack to Iranian diplomatic officials, following a formal request from Iran for assistance in repatriating the bodies.
The Sri Lankan government has confirmed that it is coordinating with Iranian officials to facilitate the repatriation process, while simultaneously addressing the urgent docking request from the second Iranian vessel. This developing situation underscores the growing complexity of regional security dynamics and the broader implications of the US-Iran conflict.
