Sri Lanka has announced that it will provide a one-month free visa to Iranian sailors recently rescued from the country’s waters, offering them temporary shelter while arrangements are made for their return home. The decision, confirmed by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala, aims to ensure that the rescued personnel receive appropriate support following the maritime incidents.
On Saturday, a Sri Lankan Navy unit safely transported 204 Iranian naval personnel from the IRIS Bushehr to a secure naval base after the vessel requested assistance due to mechanical failure. This rescue operation followed a separate, far more tragic event earlier in the week.
On Wednesday, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank near Sri Lanka’s coast after being struck by a torpedo launched from a U.S. submarine. The attack resulted in the deaths of over 80 sailors, an unprecedented occurrence in contemporary naval history. Reports suggest this is the first time a warship has sunk due to a submarine-launched torpedo since World War II.
The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed that 32 sailors were rescued alive from the IRIS Dena, while 87 bodies were recovered. Authorities highlighted the scale of the disaster and stressed the importance of international cooperation in both rescue and repatriation efforts.
Incident Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Torpedo attack on Iranian warship IRIS Dena |
| Date | Wednesday, prior to 8 March |
| Location | Off the coast of Sri Lanka |
| Survivors | 32 Iranian naval personnel |
| Fatalities | 87 confirmed |
| Rescued from IRIS Bushehr | 204 sailors |
| Sri Lankan Response | Transported sailors to naval base; one-month free visa provided |
Minister Wijepala explained that the one-month visa is intended to accommodate sailors who may require additional time before returning to Iran, offering legal stay, shelter, and access to essential facilities. The Sri Lankan government has also pledged humanitarian support, including food, medical care, and communication resources while the sailors remain onshore.
The incident highlights both the complexities of maritime security in the region and Sri Lanka’s active role in ensuring the safety of foreign naval personnel in distress. Officials have confirmed that further investigations, conducted in liaison with international authorities, will seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the IRIS Dena attack. Meanwhile, rescue operations and logistical support continue for those affected.
By granting temporary visas and providing immediate humanitarian assistance, Sri Lanka has underscored its commitment to protecting lives at sea, demonstrating strategic foresight and international responsibility in responding to maritime emergencies.