Sri Lanka Answers Distress Call From Stranded Iranian Sailors
US blockade of Strait of Hormuz has left ships stuck
Sri Lanka responded to a distress call and provided medical help to 40 Iranian sailors from ships anchored close to the island's Indian Ocean waters before repatriating them to Tehran, a spokesperson said Sunday. The sailors were brought to the island's southern port of Galle on Saturday after Sri Lankan authorities received the distress call, said Thushara Rodrigo, the foreign ministry spokesperson. He said they were transported to the shore by vessels arranged by the Iranian Embassy and local shipping agents, the AP reports. After initial medical treatment, they left Sri Lanka early Sunday, added Rodrigo.
The Iranian oil tankers have been anchored off Sri Lanka for several months after the US resumed its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leaving dozens of Iranian vessels stranded and unable to return home. The plight of the sailors has been a growing issue since Sri Lankan authorities acknowledged that there were 19 ships stationed about 24 nautical miles from its coast and that they reported shortages of food, water, and fuel. Two weeks ago, the government said it had no immediate plans to help the ships, saying that Sri Lanka will put its national interest first before considering any help, and the companies that supply ships are aware of possible secondary sanctions from the US. Sri Lanka is emerging from an economic crisis, and both the US and Iran are crucial trading partners.
