Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lanka has repatriated 238 Iranian naval personnel who were rescued following two separate maritime incidents in early March, officials said on Wednesday, bringing a humanitarian operation that lasted several weeks to a close. Accordingly, Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara confirmed that the group included 32 sailors from the frigate IRIS Dena and 206 crew members from the support vessel IRIS Bushehr. All were flown back to Iran late Tuesday night on a special chartered flight arranged by Iranian authorities.
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The IRIS Dena had come under attack on March 4 in waters just off Sri Lanka’s coast. According to officials, the vessel was struck during a period of heightened tensions linked to the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran. The incident resulted in the sinking of the ship and a significant loss of life. Iranian authorities said 104 sailors were killed, with 84 bodies later recovered and returned to Iran on the same flight. Sri Lankan naval forces carried out a rescue operation soon after the attack, saving 32 survivors from the Dena.
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A day later, the IRIS Bushehr also sought assistance after experiencing engine trouble while in the region. Sri Lanka responded by bringing its crew ashore and providing temporary shelter. The rescued personnel were accommodated at Sri Lankan navy and air force facilities, where they remained for several weeks. Authorities issued them 30-day visas and ensured their basic needs were met while diplomatic arrangements were made for their return.
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Following the evacuation of most of its crew, the IRIS Bushehr was towed to waters off Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s eastern coast. A small group of Iranian sailors, estimated to be around 10 to 15, have remained behind to manage the vessel while it stays anchored offshore. Officials said Sri Lanka’s response was guided by humanitarian considerations and international maritime obligations, including principles set out in the Hague Convention of 1907, which requires assistance to those in distress at sea.
The incident drew regional attention as it brought Middle Eastern tensions into the Indian Ocean. Despite the tense geopolitical backdrop, Sri Lanka maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing that its actions were strictly humanitarian. Authorities also noted that the repatriation was carried out in coordination with relevant international partners to ensure the safe and orderly return of the sailors. The operation marks one of the largest recent maritime rescue and repatriation efforts handled by Sri Lanka.
