Sri Lanka to take custody of Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr after US submarine attack

Sri Lanka to take custody of Iranian vessel (Representative image)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday announced that the government will formally take charge of the Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr and its crew after days of discussions with authorities, diplomatic representatives and the ship’s captain.

The President said the vessel had informed Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 4 and had sought permission to enter a Sri Lankan port either on March 4 or 5.

He added that Sri Lanka Navy vessels have already approached the ship and preparations are underway to offload personnel. According to him, 208 individuals are ready to be brought ashore — including 53 officers, 84 cadet officers, 48 senior sailors and 21 sailors.

“The transfer will take place after all required preparations are complete to ensure the safe landing of all personnel,” he said.

The development follows the interception and attack of an Iranian frigate by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean roughly 2,000 nautical miles from Iran, an incident that reportedly killed at least 87 sailors. The vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, had been returning from a military exercise in Visakhapatnam, India, when it was struck.

Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 sailors during subsequent search operations, though several others remain missing at sea and are presumed dead.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack, describing the destruction of the Iranian warship as a “huge win” for Washington.

Speaking to News1st, the Sri Lankan President said the situation was not routine, as the ship belonged to a party involved in an ongoing conflict. He stressed that Colombo must act strictly in line with international obligations.

“We cannot act hastily. We must work based on international agreements and commitments. Both parties need to reach an understanding,” he said.

He further noted that authorities have maintained continuous communication with the crew, the ship’s captain and the Iranian Embassy, which has kept Tehran informed throughout the process.

Although the vessel remained near the Colombo Port area, the President said detaining it there could disrupt operations at Sri Lanka’s main commercial harbour. He added that the ship would instead be moved to the Trincomalee Port area for further handling.