Sri Lanka’s navy and air force have launched rescue operations after an Iranian naval vessel began sinking near the island’s southern coast, authorities said Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that a distress signal was received at dawn from the vessel identified as IRIS Dena. According to initial reports, around 180 people were on board at the time of the incident.
Herath said 30 injured sailors have been transported to a hospital in the port city of Galle for treatment. Rescue efforts are ongoing to account for the remaining crew members.
The cause of the sinking remains unclear. During the parliamentary session, an opposition lawmaker questioned whether the vessel may have been bombed as part of the ongoing US-Israeli attacks against Iran. Authorities have not provided any official confirmation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Further details are expected as rescue operations continue.
Source: BBC