Sri Lanka Evacuates Crew of Second Iranian Vessel After US Sinks IRIS Dena

Sri Lankan authorities have evacuated the crew of a second Iranian vessel after the United States reportedly sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, raising fresh tensions in regional waters.

According to officials, the incident occurred in waters near Sri Lanka, prompting an emergency response from the country’s navy and maritime rescue services. The evacuation followed reports that the United States military targeted and destroyed the Iranian naval vessel during a security operation.

Sri Lankan naval authorities confirmed that the crew members from another Iranian vessel operating in the area were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. The rescued sailors were brought ashore and are currently receiving medical checks and humanitarian assistance.

The destruction of IRIS Dena has heightened concerns over maritime security in the region, with several international shipping routes passing close to Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. Officials said the swift evacuation was necessary to prevent further casualties and ensure the safety of seafarers.

While the United States has not yet released a detailed statement about the operation, defense sources indicated that the strike was linked to rising tensions involving Iranian naval activities.

The Iranian government has also not issued an official response regarding the fate of the vessel or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sri Lanka, which lies along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean, has in recent years strengthened its maritime monitoring capabilities to respond quickly to emergencies at sea.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident, while regional security analysts warn that the development could further escalate tensions between Iran and the United States in strategic maritime corridors.