What Happened to the Iranian Sailors After the US Attack? Sri Lanka's Role Explained

The Sri Lankan Navy has successfully transferred 204 Iranian sailors from the IRINS Bushehr to Colombo following a recent maritime incident. With four crew members remaining on the ship due to engine troubles, the navy is ensuring their safety and medical examination. President Dissanayake emphasized Sri Lanka's neutral stance in the ongoing conflict, while the nation grapples with the aftermath of a US attack that resulted in the sinking of another Iranian frigate. As the situation unfolds, the government faces challenges in managing the remains of sailors lost in the conflict. Read on to learn more about this complex humanitarian response.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 12:20 IST

Sri Lankan Navy Assists Iranian Personnel

On Friday, the Sri Lankan Navy reported that 204 out of 208 Iranian crew members aboard the IRINS Bushehr have been successfully relocated to Colombo. This transfer occurred two days following the sinking of another Iranian frigate near Sri Lanka.

Currently, four sailors remain on the vessel, which is experiencing engine issues, according to the navy's statement.

The navy indicated that it will take an additional two days for the IRINS Bushehr to reach Trincomalee, located on the eastern coast, from its current position near Colombo.

Navy spokesperson Commander Buddika Sampath mentioned that the Iranian sailors will be taken to a navy facility in Welisara, a suburb of Colombo.

As a standard procedure, they will undergo medical examinations upon arrival, Sampath confirmed.

In a televised address, President Dissanayake explained that the IRINS Bushehr had requested entry into Sri Lankan waters due to engine failure.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality while addressing humanitarian needs, stating that Sri Lanka's involvement was limited to responding to a request from one party in the conflict.

Dissanayake remarked, "Every life is valuable, and no one should face death," while also criticizing opposition parties for politicizing the situation.

He asserted, "We will not yield to pressure and will uphold our neutrality."

The president noted that the ship carried a total of 208 personnel, including 53 officers, 84 cadets, 48 senior sailors, and 23 seamen.

On February 26, Iran had requested permission for the IRINS Bushehr to dock in Colombo for a goodwill visit from March 9 to 13.

Dissanayake pointed out that the request for a goodwill visit was not appropriately handled, as they were assessing the situation. He mentioned that on February 27, they were informed of a sailor needing assistance after falling.

Following the attack on the IRIS Dena, the first Iranian ship sunk by the US, the second vessel sought to dock in Colombo on March 4 and 5.

In related news, hospital officials in Galle reported that the morgue at Karapitiya hospital could not accommodate the over 90 bodies of Iranian sailors who perished in the US attack on the IRIS Dena.

These bodies are currently being stored in makeshift conditions, wrapped in sawdust and ice, until the government decides on their repatriation.

Sri Lanka confirmed on Wednesday that it had recovered 84 bodies of Iranian sailors who died when the US submarine attack sank the IRIS Dena off the southern coast near Galle.

The IRIS Dena was returning to Iran from a naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, India.

Since February 28, the US and Israel have initiated a significant military campaign against Iran, escalating the conflict across the Gulf region.