Sri Lanka has said it is considering appropriate steps after a second Iranian vessel requested entry into its territorial waters, just a day after an Iranian frigate was attacked near the island nation. The development comes amid rising tensions in the region linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

The Sri Lankan government confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the necessary actions to ensure safety and stability. The second Iranian ship has reportedly requested emergency assistance, prompting authorities in Colombo to review the situation carefully before allowing any further movement.

Sri Lanka had earlier reported that it recovered more than 80 bodies of Iranian sailors after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena sank following an attack by a US submarine. The incident occurred off the coast of Galle, a southern coastal town of the island nation. The attack led to significant casualties among the Iranian naval crew.

Government spokesman and minister Nalinda Jayathissa addressed the issue in Parliament while responding to a question raised by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa regarding the second Iranian vessel. Jayathissa said the authorities were aware of the situation and were considering what steps should be taken.

“We are aware of it and are contemplating action to safeguard all lives on board,” Jayathissa said.

He also added, “We are intervening to resolve this issue to safeguard regional peace.”

According to Jayathissa, the second Iranian vessel is currently located within Sri Lanka’s Extended Economic Zone (EEZ), but it has not entered the country’s territorial waters yet. Authorities are continuing to observe the vessel while deciding on the next course of action.

Reports suggest that the ship requested emergency assistance while waiting in the EEZ. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the vessel will be allowed to enter Sri Lankan waters or what form of help might be provided.

Meanwhile, in Galle, the surviving crew members from the torpedoed Iranian frigate are receiving medical care. Hospital sources said that although several sailors were injured, their injuries are not serious.

Authorities also confirmed that inquests into the deaths of the Iranian sailors would be conducted at the Karapitiya hospital in Galle. A total of 84 bodies of the deceased sailors were brought there following the recovery operations carried out after the ship sank.

The Iranian warship had been returning to its home country after participating in a naval fleet review exercise in Visakhapatnam, India, when the incident occurred.

While the Sri Lanka Navy has not disclosed the reasons behind the distress call made by the vessel before it sank, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the Iranian warship was sunk by a US submarine using a torpedo in international waters.

Earlier, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament that the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard received an emergency message at 5:08 am about the sinking of the ship named IRIS Dena. The vessel was located about 40 nautical miles off the southern port district of Galle when the distress alert was received.

Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath also commented on the situation, saying, “We are only concerned about our obligation to rescue them as first responders under international maritime obligations.”

The incident has occurred amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Since February 28, the United States and Israel have launched a large joint attack on Iran, and the conflict has expanded across much of the Gulf region as Iran has responded with retaliation.

Authorities in Sri Lanka continue to monitor developments closely as they assess the request made by the second Iranian vessel while dealing with the aftermath of the frigate sinking near its waters.