After Iranian Warship Sinking, Sri Lanka Keeps Watch on Another Iranian Ship Near Its Waters

A day after a deadly submarine strike by the United States sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka’s southern coast, authorities in Sri Lanka are now closely monitoring another Iranian vessel present near their maritime zone. Officials said efforts are underway to ensure the safety of people aboard the second ship. According to government spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa, authorities are aware of another Iranian vessel located within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Addressing parliament, Jayatissa said officials are keeping a constant watch on the situation. He did not confirm whether the ship was a military vessel but emphasized that authorities are making every effort to safeguard lives. The earlier attack targeted the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was struck about 19 nautical miles from the southern port city of Galle. The strike led to the sinking of the vessel and the deaths of 87 people. Sri Lankan rescue teams responded after receiving a distress call early Wednesday and managed to rescue 32 survivors from the sea. Search operations continued on Thursday for around 10 sailors who are still reported missing. Officials stated that the rescued sailors suffered minor injuries and could soon be discharged from hospital. Authorities also confirmed that two refrigerated units were sent from Colombo to store bodies recovered from the sea. Iran has strongly condemned the attack. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the ship was targeted without warning in international waters thousands of miles away from the Gulf conflict zone. In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi wrote that the United States would “deeply regret the precedent it has set.” The IRIS Dena had recently taken part in a naval exercise hosted by India in the Bay of Bengal and was on its way back home when the attack occurred.