Iran has reportedly asked India to intervene at the highest level to provide life-saving assistance to the crews of Iranian vessels stranded beyond the 12-nautical-mile limit off the coast of Galle, according to sources cited by The Island.
The vessels, which are reportedly carrying no cargo, are stranded within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while returning from a voyage after unloading crude oil several months ago.
Sources familiar with the matter said Iran had informed the Indian government about the situation, highlighting that Indian nationals are among the crews. The vessels also reportedly carry Bangladeshi nationals.
The situation follows an incident on March 4, 2026, when an unarmed Iranian naval vessel returning from India was struck by a torpedo fired by the United States Navy in waters approximately 19 nautical miles off Galle. Nearly 100 Iranian nationals were reportedly killed in the attack.
Meanwhile, sources said the Iranian Embassy in Colombo had contacted the Indian High Commission to inquire about India’s position on the current situation.
The United States has reportedly issued a global advisory warning against providing food, water, medicine or other services to the stranded Iranian vessels.
The outcome of discussions between Iran and India remains unclear. Sources cited by The Island suggested that India might not fully support Iran’s efforts to resolve the situation. However, India also faces concerns over the welfare of its nationals serving aboard the vessels.
Sri Lanka has yet to issue an official statement on the stranded vessels.
Iran has maintained that relevant countries are obligated under international law to assist people in distress at sea.
Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh recently reiterated this position, referring to Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.
The Ambassador said these international conventions required Sri Lanka to provide the necessary assistance to the Iranian vessels stranded within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The situation has reportedly placed Sri Lanka and India in a difficult position amid the US advisory and their obligations concerning the safety of people at sea.
(The Island)
