Sri Lanka rescues 32 sailors from sinking Iranian naval ship

Sri Lankan authorities rescued 32 sailors from the Iranian naval ship Iris Dena, which was sinking off the island’s southern coast. The rescued crew members were admitted to hospital, with one in critical condition and several receiving emergency treatment.

Colombo: A top Sri Lankan official says 32 people have been rescued from a sinking Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka’s southern coast and have been admitted to a hospital.

Dr Anil Jasinghe, a top health ministry official, says one of them is in critical condition, seven are receiving emergency treatment, and others are treated for minor injuries.

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Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament that Sri Lanka’s navy received information that the ship Iris Dena with 180 on board was in distress, and that the island nation sent ships and air force planes on a rescue mission.

There were no immediate details as to how the sailors were wounded and how the ship was damaged.