Thirty-two Iranian naval personnel rescued from the distressed warship ‘IRIS Dena’ off the coast of Galle are currently receiving treatment at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, hospital authorities said.
Director of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Specialist Dr. S.D.U.M. Ranga told Newswire, one of the patients is in critical condition while seven others have sustained moderate injuries. The remaining patients are reported to have minor injuries.
Speaking on the nature of the injuries, Dr. Ranga said the patients had suffered a range of wounds.
“There are cut injuries, burn injuries, and a few patients with bone fractures,” he said.
He added that the exact cause of the injuries cannot be determined at this stage.
He added that the hospital is prepared to admit and treat additional patients if more injured individuals are brought ashore.
Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament that around 180 individuals were on board the Iranian Navy vessel when it reported distress about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle early this morning (04).
Sri Lanka Navy vessels were immediately dispatched following a distress call received at around 05.08 a.m., and a joint rescue operation with the Air Force was launched.
Meanwhile, additional Sri Lanka Navy ships remain deployed in the area as efforts continue to rescue the remaining crew members from the vessel.
The exact cause of the incident remains unclear, although some reports suggest the vessel may have been attacked. (Newswire)