World · 2026-10-26 · Morning briefing

Sri Lanka rescues 40 Iranian sailors stranded by US blockade

Sri Lanka has rescued and repatriated 40 Iranian sailors following a distress call on Saturday regarding an "urgent medical need". The sailors, who were in international waters off the island's southeastern coast, were brought ashore for treatment in Colombo before being flown back to Iran. The operation was planned by the Iranian Embassy in Colombo and coordinated by Sri Lanka's foreign ministry.

The sailors were from ships stranded at sea by a US naval blockade, part of a wider conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. A report last month identified 21 Iranian vessels in the waters near Sri Lanka. The country has declared its neutrality but states it is obligated by international law to respond to distress calls.

This humanitarian intervention contrasts with Sri Lanka's earlier stance this month, when it stated it had no immediate plans to aid 19 other Iranian ships reporting food and fuel shortages. In March, authorities also responded after a US torpedo attack sank an Iranian vessel, killing more than 80 crew. Sri Lanka's president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, recently said the country would "never hesitate to protect humanity".

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• Sri Lanka rescues 40 Iranian sailors from international waters, facilitates return to Iran
• Sri Lanka Provides Medical Help and Repatriates 40 Iranian Sailors Stranded in the Indian Ocean
• Sri Lanka repatriates 40 Iranian sailors rescued from stranded merchant vessels: Report
• Sri Lanka repatriates 40 Iranian sailors treated after being stranded off Galle — report
• Inside Sri Lanka’s operation to rescue 40 Iranian seafarers

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