Sri Lanka Evacuates Crew from Iranian Ship Amid US-Iran Tensions
Sri Lankan authorities took control of the Iranian ship IRINS Bushehr on Friday after it requested emergency docking due to engine failure. The 208-member crew will be disembarked at Colombo Port before the vessel is moved to Trincomalee Harbor. This action follows the US sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Galle, resulting in 87 confirmed deaths and 32 rescues. The US military claims to have sunk over 30 Iranian ships since February 28 under Operation Epic Fury, which aims to degrade Iran's naval capabilities. The incident raises concerns about the conflict extending into the Indian Ocean, with Sri Lanka asserting a neutral stance in the US-Iran conflict.
Published 19 hours ago • 06 Mar 2026, 10:18 AM IST