More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded after US torpedo attack return home

Over 200 Iranian Sailors Return to Home After US Torpedo Attack

Sri Lanka has released more than 200 Iranian sailors who were stranded following a US torpedo strike. The crew, which had been detained in the country for more than a month, began their journey back home on Wednesday. Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara confirmed that 32 sailors from the Iris Dena and 206 from the Irins Bushehr were evacuated. The evacuation took place after the Iranian naval vessel, Irins Bushehr, had been under Sri Lankan control since March 5.

The Iris Dena, an Iranian warship, sank on March 4 approximately 40km off Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The attack occurred when the ship was hit by a torpedo from a US submarine, resulting in the deaths of 104 sailors. A video from the US Department of Defense showed the vessel being struck, with its stern lifting before an explosion. The bodies of 84 Iranian sailors were later repatriated via a chartered plane organized by Iran.

Sri Lanka’s intervention followed the Irins Bushehr’s request to dock at one of the nation’s ports after an engine failure. The ship was anchored off Trincomalee in the northeast. About 15 sailors will remain in Sri Lanka to manage the vessel. The country’s decision to allow the ship to dock came after hours of discussions with its president, who emphasized the importance of human life and neutrality.

President’s Statement on Neutrality and Humanitarian Efforts

Our position has been to safeguard our neutrality while demonstrating our humanitarian values,” said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. “We intervened in a way that showed our commitment to international conventions, protecting the reputation and dignity of our country, and ensuring human lives were saved.”

The incident occurred in international waters, just days into the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. This marked a significant escalation in the war. Iran has since retaliated across the Middle East, targeting Gulf nations aligned with the US. Sri Lanka has maintained a policy of non-alignment since gaining independence in 1948, fostering economic and diplomatic ties with both Iran and the United States.