Operation launched to rescue sailors from Iranian vessel sinking off GalleNewsA joint rescue operation has been launched by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) after a distress call was received from an Iranian vessel off the coast of Galle. He said the vessel has been identified as an Iranian Navy vessel named IRIS Dena. The SOS had stated that the ship was sinking and its distress call had been received by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Coast Guard at about 5.08am today. A Sri Lanka Navy vessel was dispatched to the location of the vessel in distress by 6.00am while a second navy vessel was also sent by 7.00am. The SLN and the SLAF mounted a joint rescue operation and have so far rescued 30 survivors from the vessel.

Source: Sunday Times March 05, 2026 01:46 UTC