COLOMBO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan authorities have transferred 22 Iranian sailors rescued after the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena to the Sri Lanka Air Force base in Koggala, in the Southern Province, after they were discharged from Karapitiya Hospital, officials said on Sunday.
Ten other sailors remain under medical treatment, including eight receiving emergency care. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities have placed all 204 people from the IRIS Bushehr, another Iranian naval vessel, at the Welisara Navy Camp.
IRIS Bushehr was taken to the eastern port of Trincomalee on Friday. Sri Lanka has been providing medical care, shelter and logistical support to Iranian naval personnel following the maritime emergency off the island's southern coast last week.
IRIS Bushehr and IRIS Dena are Iranian naval vessels which had taken part in the 2026 International Fleet Review, a cooperative maritime exercise held in India. IRIS Dena was sunk off the island's southern coast after a U.S. submarine attack on Wednesday.
Speaking of the matter on Saturday, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath noted that the country takes all steps based on international law and humanitarian considerations, does not intend to support any side in the incident, and will continue to handle the matter within the framework of international legal obligations. ■
