Sri Lanka has deployed naval vessels and aircraft to assist an Iranian warship in distress about 40 nautical miles off the southern coast of Galle, as per media reports.
The operation was launched on the instructions of the Ministry of Defence, with the Sri Lanka Navy leading search and rescue efforts. The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena reportedly issued a distress call from waters just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial limits.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, said around 180 sailors were on board and that 30 crew members have been rescued so far. The authorities have not yet released details of the incident.
