Colombo: Sri Lanka has granted permission for an Iranian naval vessel to enter its maritime area on humanitarian grounds after the ship developed an engine problem while sailing in the Indian Ocean near the island.
The development comes amid continuing attacks involving the US and Israel against Iran, with reports saying the strikes continued for a seventh day. In a separate incident, Iran’s warship “Iris Tina” was reportedly destroyed in an attack after completing a two-day naval exercise in India, killing 87 people on board.
Iran’s second warship, the IRINS Bushehr, was returning home and was sailing close to Sri Lanka when concerns were raised that it too could face an attack. Iran subsequently requested Sri Lanka’s permission to enter its sea area, citing the ship’s security as it carried more than 100 personnel.
Sri Lankan President Dissanayake held discussions with senior officials and approved the request on humanitarian grounds, according to the Sri Lanka Navy. Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath said 204 of the 208 Iranians on board were brought safely to the Colombo port, while four sailors remained on the ship.
He added that it would take about two days for the Iranian vessel to reach the eastern port of Trincomalee.
