30 rescued from Iranian ship in distress near Galle

Sri Lankan security forces have successfully rescued approximately 30 people from an Iranian vessel that met with an accident in the southern sea off Galle.

Responding immediately to an emergency distress signal received from the vessel in the sea area located 20 to 40 nautical miles from Galle port, the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force have jointly launched this rescue operation.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Retired Major General Aruna Jayasekara stated that as further information regarding the incident is still being gathered, it has not yet been definitively confirmed whether it is a commercial vessel or a naval craft.

Naval vessels have been promptly dispatched to the sea area to assist the distressed vessel and its crew, and the Sri Lanka Air Force has also been kept on standby to provide assistance at any moment required.

This maritime incident is reported against the backdrop of the Middle East and Western Indian Ocean region being in a severe crisis following the "Epic Fury" military operation launched by the United States and Israel targeting Iran.

In response to these attacks, Iran has launched counter-attacks on American and allied assets established in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and this conflict has posed a severe risk to the global energy supply network and international trade.

The Navy spokesperson stated that further details regarding the operation cannot be provided at this moment, and the remaining information can be expected once the rescue teams reach the vessel.