The Indian Navy has swiftly launched Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in response to a distress call from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was reported to be operating approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle, within Sri Lanka’s designated Search and Rescue region.
The alert was initially received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo during the early hours of March 4, indicating a critical situation that necessitated immediate action. The Sri Lanka Navy confirmed the distress signal and began coordinating rescue efforts.
In a prompt response, the Indian Navy mobilized its resources to assist the Sri Lankan authorities. A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was deployed at 1000 hours on March 4 to augment the search operations. Additionally, another aircraft, equipped with air-droppable life rafts, was placed on standby, ready for swift deployment if needed.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the sail training vessel INS Tarangini, which was in proximity to the incident location, was redirected to the search area. The vessel arrived by 1600 hours on the same day, joining the ongoing rescue operations that had already been initiated by the Sri Lanka Navy and other agencies.
Moreover, the Indian Navy also dispatched INS Ikshak from Kochi. This vessel has since arrived in the region and is actively participating in the search for any missing personnel from the distressed ship.
The Indian Navy has emphasized that this operation is conducted as a humanitarian initiative aimed at assisting individuals in distress due to the shipwreck. Continuous coordination between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities is being maintained as search operations persist in the region, with the focus on locating any potential survivors.
The collaborative effort between the two nations underscores their commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian assistance in times of crisis.
