Targeted next? Another Iranian warship heading to Sri Lanka following IRIS Dena sinking

Colombo: A second Iranian warship, reportedly named “Bushehr,” moved toward Sri Lanka’s territorial waters Thursday, seeking refuge just one day after a U.S. submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian frigate, killing at least 87 sailors.

Media Minister Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament that the vessel was positioned just outside Sri Lankan waters, though he declined to provide further specifics. Official sources stated that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with high-ranking officials on Thursday to evaluate Iran’s request for the ship to enter the safety of the island’s maritime boundaries.

According to Al Jazeera, the second ship is facing engine trouble and is asking to call into port.

A Growing Crisis at Sea

The second vessel, which carries a crew of more than 100, reportedly fears it will be targeted in the same manner as its sister ship, the IRIS Dena, which was destroyed off Sri Lanka’s southern coast on Wednesday. The escalation follows the Feb. 28 joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, a conflict that has rapidly expanded beyond the Middle East.

"We are aware of the situation and are considering actions to ensure the safety of everyone on board," Jayathissa stated. "We are taking steps to address this issue in order to maintain regional peace."

According to Jayathissa, the ship is currently located in Sri Lanka's Extended Economic Zone (EEZ) but is outside of its territorial waters. Sources indicate that the ship has requested emergency assistance.

Also read: Iran claims strike on US oil tanker after sinking of IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean

Rescue and Recovery in Galle

In the southern port city of Galle, authorities spent Thursday preparing to repatriate the remains of the 87 sailors confirmed killed in the attack. Medical officials at the city's main hospital reported that 32 survivors are currently receiving treatment under heavy guard by police and elite commandos.

The hospital’s Emergency Treatment Unit has been restricted, with a dedicated ward established specifically for the Iranian survivors. "Most of them have minor injuries, but there were a few with fractures and burns," a nurse at the facility said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Diplomatic Neutrality Strained

Navy spokesperson Buddhika Sampath told AFP that Sri Lankan vessels are maintaining search operations for additional missing personnel. While the Dena issued a distress signal at dawn on Wednesday, the ship had completely submerged by the time rescue teams reached the site, located approximately 25 miles south of Galle.

The Iranian warships were returning from the "MILAN 2026" multinational military exercises held in the Indian port of Visakhapatnam. Tehran has not yet issued a formal comment regarding the sinking of the frigate.

Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance throughout the week-long conflict, repeatedly calling for diplomatic dialogue. Iran remains a vital economic partner for the island nation as a primary purchaser of Sri Lankan tea.

With inputs from AFP