Sri Lanka Assists Second Iranian Vessel as Death Toll Rises Following U.S. Strike on Warship

Sri Lanka Steps In to Assist Second Iranian Vessel

Sri Lanka has begun the process of offloading 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel anchored near the port of Colombo — just one day after a devastating U.S. submarine strike claimed 87 lives aboard an Iranian warship in the same regional waters.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake confirmed the decision during a press briefing in Colombo, stating that the move came following extensive consultations with all relevant parties.

"After detailed discussions with all parties, Sri Lanka has decided to assist the Iranian vessel," Dissanayake told reporters, according to Reuters.

Breakdown of Crew Members Being Offloaded

Among the 208 individuals being brought ashore from the vessel, which remains positioned near Colombo's port, are:

• 53 officials
• 84 cadets
• 48 senior sailors
• 23 sailors

The Sinking of the IRIS Dena

The Iranian warship at the center of this international incident, the IRIS Dena, was struck and sunk on Wednesday in the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka's coast. In response, Sri Lankan authorities deployed two refrigerated units to properly store the 87 bodies that have been recovered from the sea thus far.

Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the operation as a Navy "fast attack" that successfully neutralized the Iranian frigate using a single Mark 48 torpedo.

"The U.S. Navy achieved immediate effect, sending the warship to the bottom of the sea," Caine stated.

Iran Pushes Back, Calls Sinking Unlawful

Iranian officials have strongly condemned the strike, asserting that the IRIS Dena was traveling through international waters and was given no warning before being targeted.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi issued a stark warning via social media platform X, writing: "The U.S. will bitterly regret the precedent it has set."

Tehran has formally requested Sri Lanka's assistance with the repatriation of the recovered bodies.

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

Sri Lankan officials revealed that the IRIS Dena had been returning home after participating in a naval exercise organized by India in the Bay of Bengal, which ran from February 18 to 25.

Search and rescue operations remain active in the area, with an estimated 10 individuals still unaccounted for. Authorities say those efforts will continue until all missing crew members are located.

The incident has drawn significant international attention, raising urgent questions about maritime law, military engagement in international waters, and the broader geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran.