Update: What foreign media says about the Iranian ship's incident near Galle

On the dawn of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, a joint rescue operation was launched by the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force following a distress signal received from the Iranian Navy warship 'IRIS Dena', which was sinking adjacent to Sri Lanka's maritime boundary.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament that 30 injured sailors from the ship, which had a crew of 180, have been rescued and are being brought to the southern region of the island. Local authorities stated that two Sri Lanka Navy vessels and one aircraft have been deployed for this rescue operation, and the main hospital in Galle, located 115 km south of the capital, has been prepared to receive the rescued sailors.

Navy Media Spokesperson Buddhika Sampath stated to a foreign news service that this incident occurred within Sri Lanka's search and rescue zone in the Indian Ocean, and therefore, these steps were taken in accordance with international maritime obligations and responsibilities. However, authorities have not yet revealed the specific reason that caused the Iranian warship to be in distress and sink.

Meanwhile, an opposition MP questioned the minister in Parliament whether the ship had been bombed as part of the ongoing series of American-Israeli attacks against Iran. However, the government has not yet provided any official response regarding this inquiry. (Based on AFP news)