Sri Lanka Takes Control of Iranian Ship Iris Bushehr and 208 Crew

COLOMBO (News1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government has decided to formally take charge of the Iranian vessel Iris Bushehr and its crew, following days of discussions with relevant authorities, diplomatic missions and the ship’s captain.

The President revealed that the vessel, reported to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 4th of this month, had requested permission to enter a Sri Lankan port either on the 4th or 5th. He emphasised that Sri Lanka, as a neutral state, must manage such situations in line with international conventions, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He noted that this was not a routine situation, as the ship belongs to one party of an ongoing conflict, requiring Sri Lanka to proceed strictly according to international obligations. “We cannot act hastily. We must work based on international agreements and commitments. Both parties need to reach an understanding,” the President said.

According to him, Sri Lankan authorities held continuous discussions with the crew, the ship’s captain, and the Iranian Embassy, which had kept the Iranian government informed throughout the process.

Following these talks, Sri Lanka proposed to take the crew and vessel under its care, subject to agreed procedures and established conventions.

President Dissanayake confirmed that a common understanding had been reached regarding the safe removal of crew members and the placement of the vessel. Due to commercial sensitivities, he explained that Colombo Port could not be used.

Although the vessel remained near the Colombo Port area, the President underscored that Colombo is the country’s primary commercial harbour, and detaining such a vessel there could disrupt the maritime industry. He stated that some shipping lines had already raised concerns, including the possibility of increased insurance premiums.

As a result, the government decided not to bring Iris Bushehr into Colombo Port. Instead, the vessel will be taken to the Trincomalee Port area. Before that move, Sri Lanka intends to transfer the crew to Colombo.

Sri Lanka Navy vessels have already approached Iris Bushehr, and the operation to offload personnel is underway. The President said that 208 individuals are prepared to be brought ashore:

53 officers

84 cadet officers

48 senior sailors

21 sailors

These 208 crew members will be transferred to Colombo using Sri Lankan naval vessels. After the crew’s evacuation, an essential team, comprising Sri Lankan naval personnel and necessary members of the ship’s crew, will jointly sail the vessel to the Trincomalee Port area.

President Dissanayake said this transfer will take place only after all required preparations are complete to ensure the safe landing of all personnel.

He affirmed that Sri Lanka has acted with clarity and consistency. “We are not biased towards any state, nor are we subordinate to any state. We act as a free and sovereign nation,” he stressed.