More than 200 Iranian sailors stranded in Sri Lanka after a US torpedo attack have returned home. The sailors, rescued from the Iris Dena and Irins Bushehr, left the country on Wednesday.
The Iranian warship Iris Dena sank on March 4 after being hit by a torpedo from a US submarine near Sri Lanka's southern coast, resulting in 104 sailor fatalities. On March 5, Sri Lanka took control of the Irins Bushehr after its engine malfunctioned and it requested to dock.
The crew of both ships were flown out by Tuesday night. Stranded sailors were granted 30-day visas and housed in military camps. The Iris Dena had been returning from an Indian military exercise when attacked. Video released by the US Department of Defense shows the moment of impact.
Eighty-four Iranian sailors killed in the attack had their bodies recovered and repatriated. The sinking occurred shortly after the US-Israeli war with Iran began, marking a significant escalation. Iran has since conducted retaliatory strikes across the Middle East.
Approximately 15 Iranian sailors will remain in Sri Lanka to operate the Irins Bushehr. Sri Lanka maintained its neutrality, emphasizing humanitarian values and adherence to international conventions.