Sri Lanka aids and repatriates 40 Iranian sailors stranded in Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka responded to a distress call and provided medical help to 40 Iranian sailors from ships anchored near its waters, according to ketv.com and wpbf.com.

The sailors were brought to the southern port of Galle after Sri Lankan authorities received the distress call, said a foreign ministry spokesperson reported by mymotherlode.com. They were transported to shore by vessels arranged by the Iranian Embassy and local shipping agents, with immigration and institutional formalities handled by the Sri Lankan ministry.

After receiving initial medical treatment, the sailors left Sri Lanka early Sunday, the spokesperson added.

The Iranian oil tankers have been anchored off Sri Lanka for several months due to a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has left many Iranian vessels stranded and unable to return home. Sri Lankan authorities had previously acknowledged the presence of 19 ships about 24 nautical miles from its coast, reporting shortages of food, water, and fuel on board.

Two weeks before the medical aid and repatriation, the Sri Lankan government stated it had no immediate plans to assist the ships, emphasizing that national interest would be prioritized before considering any help.