Colombo: Sri Lanka announced plans to evacuate personnel aboard a second Iranian ship following a US submarine attack on an Iranian warship. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Colombo is preparing to safely evacuate 208 personnel stranded on the Iranian ship IRIS Bushehr.

According to Anadolu Agency, Dissanayake emphasized Sri Lanka's commitment to handling the situation in line with international conventions, such as the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He stressed the importance of not acting hastily and highlighted the need for both parties to reach an understanding based on international agreements and commitments.

The IRIS Bushehr had been participating in a naval exercise off the coast of India. This decision by Sri Lanka follows the US confirmation of a torpedo attack by an American submarine on the IRIS Dena in waters off Sri Lanka. The attack resulted in at least 87 deaths, 32 injuries, and numerous missing personnel.

The IRIS Dena was returning home after participating in naval exercises hosted by India. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reported that the IRIS Dena had a crew of 130 sailors on board.

The incident occurred amid ongoing US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which began last Saturday. Iranian authorities reported at least 926 fatalities, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials. In response, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.