Sri Lanka said on Thursday it was taking steps to “safeguard lives” after reports of a second Iran ship operating off its coast, a day after a U.S. submarine strike sank an Iranian warship in the same region.
Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa told parliament that authorities in Colombo were aware of another Iranian vessel inside Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone but outside its maritime boundary, and that the government was “addressing the situation.” He was responding to questions from an opposition leader about whether the government knew a second Iranian ship was near the port of Colombo.
“The President, defence officials, and all other relevant officials are aware and we are addressing the situation,” Jayatissa said, adding that officials were doing their utmost to “safeguard lives.” He did not specify whether the second ship was a military vessel.
IRIS Dena Sinks Off Galle; Missing Sailors Still Unaccounted For
Jayatissa said the Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank about 19 nautical miles off the southern city of Galle. Sri Lankan rescuers responded to an early-morning distress call on Wednesday and found 32 survivors, according to authorities.
Search and rescue efforts were expected to continue Thursday for an estimated 10 people still unaccounted for, officials said. The rescued sailors were treated for minor injuries and were expected to be released from hospital on Thursday.
Iran Condemns Strike, Says U.S. “Will Bitterly Regret” Precedent
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the warship was struck in international waters without warning, far from the Gulf, where U.S. and Israeli forces have been striking Iran and Tehran has been retaliating with missile and drone attacks.
“The U.S. will bitterly regret the precedent it has set,” Araqchi wrote on X, adding that the ship was a guest of India’s navy and was carrying nearly 130 sailors.
U.S. Says Submarine Attack Shows No Vessel Is “Safe” in International Waters
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the Pentagon that an American submarine sank the Iranian warship with a torpedo, describing the strike as a decisive action. The Pentagon also released a video it said showed the moment of impact and the vessel beginning to sink.
The incident has intensified concerns that the conflict is expanding beyond prior hotspots, drawing in new maritime routes and regional players.
Warship Was Returning From Indian-Organized Naval Exercise
Sri Lankan officials said IRIS Dena had taken part in a naval exercise organized by India in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25 and was heading back when it came under attack, according to information referenced from the exercise’s website. An Indian Navy spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment after the sinking.