IRIS Dena Tragedy: 10 Still Hospitalised in Karapitiya

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ten Iranian sailors continue to receive treatment at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, while twenty-two who have recovered are currently accommodated at the Welisara Navy Camp.

Hospital authorities have also stored the bodies of 84 deceased Iranian sailors in two deep-freeze facilities at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, following the completion of post-mortem examinations. 

Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni stated that Sri Lanka is handling all matters related to these remains in accordance with international laws.

The current situation originates from a major international maritime tragedy involving the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which sank in international waters near Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Navy recovered 84 bodies and rescued 32 individuals after receiving a distress call around 5:08 a.m on 4th March. The vessel, believed to be carrying around 180 personnel, went down in the sea area falling within Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue region. 

Sri Lankan naval and air units launched immediate rescue operations as required under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (1979). 

The U.S. later confirmed that a U.S. submarine torpedoed the Iranian naval vessel, which international media described as one of the first such naval sinkings since World War II.

As a result of the tragedy, survivors were brought to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, where 10 continue to receive treatment, while those who recovered have been transferred to Welisara for further support.

Sri Lankan officials continue to coordinate with international authorities, including Iran, regarding the handling and repatriation of the deceased.