Sri Lanka's foreign ministry confirmed the successful rescue of 40 Iranian sailors from multiple commercial ships in international waters on October 26, 2026. The sailors were brought to Galle Harbour for medical treatment before being returned to Iran.
Coordinated Efforts Amid Tensions
They had been suffering unspecified medical emergencies.
Thushara Rodrigo, Spokesman, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry
The Iranian embassy requested assistance through diplomatic channels. Although the ministry did not specify the circumstances requiring rescue, reports indicate the sailors were on US-sanctioned oil tankers.
- The sailors were rescued from 19 different ships.
- This operation follows earlier humanitarian rescues involving Iranian sailors.
Sri Lanka's navy and coastguard played pivotal roles in the operation, reflecting the island nation's ongoing commitment to humanitarian assistance at sea. This incident is not isolated; earlier this year, Sri Lanka also rescued Iranian sailors after a warship was sunk by a U.S. submarine.
In March, over 80 sailors died in that attack, with survivors and others from different vessels subsequently repatriated in April.