- Sri Lanka coordinated the rescue of 40 Iranian sailors from multiple ships in international waters off the coast of the country and supported their return to Iran, a spokesman for the island nation's foreign ministry said on Sunday.
- The ministry received a request via diplomatic channels to rescue the sailors, who had been suffering unspecified medical emergencies, according to Thushara Rodrigo, a spokesman for the ministry.
- The sailors from 19 ships were brought ashore at Galle Harbor, about 126 km from the commercial capital, Colombo, and were given medical treatment before returning to Iran early on Sunday morning.
- The sailors were flown back to Iran on Saturday night after receiving medical treatment in Colombo.
- Sri Lanka's navy and coastguard typically provide support during humanitarian efforts, a government source with direct knowledge of the rescue told Reuters.
- Earlier this year, Sri Lanka rescued dozens of Iranian sailors on humanitarian grounds after the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a torpedo from a US submarine on March 4.
- Iranian ships have been stranded at sea due to a US naval blockade, which has affected their ability to operate.
- Sri Lanka stresses it is neutral in the conflict but has at times offered help to Iranian sailors in what it says is an obligation to international law.
Sri Lanka's foreign ministry reported that it coordinated the rescue of 40 Iranian sailors suffering from medical emergencies in international waters. The sailors were brought ashore at Galle Harbor and received treatment before returning to Iran early Sunday morning.13
The ministry received a distress call on Saturday from Iranian ships regarding an urgent medical need, according to Thushara Rodrigo, a ministry spokesperson. The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including local shipping companies and was planned by the Iranian Embassy in Colombo.
Rodrigo emphasized that Sri Lanka was obliged under international law to respond to such emergencies, stating, "This does not mean that we will provide assistance to those ships." He noted that responding to distress calls is an internationally accepted tradition.
Earlier this year, Sri Lanka had also rescued Iranian sailors after the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a US submarine, which resulted in significant casualties. In that incident, survivors were treated and returned to Iran, showcasing Sri Lanka's commitment to humanitarian efforts despite prioritizing national interests in other situations.
The sailors were returned to Iran by plane after receiving medical treatment in Colombo, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian cooperation between Sri Lanka and Iran amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
“The rescue was coordinated by the Iranian Embassy in Colombo, with Sri Lanka citing an obligation under international law and humanitarian grounds. This follows an earlier incident in March when Sri Lanka assisted survivors of the IRIS Dena, sunk by a US torpedo, highlighting a recurring pattern.”
The Jerusalem PostBBC
