The United Nations has said more than 500 people are feared dead after reports of two large shipwrecks off Myanmar since late June.

The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its refugee agency UNHCR voiced alarm in a joint statement at reports “that two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsized off the coast of Myanmar in recent days”.

Preliminary information indicated that the two vessels in question departed from war-torn Myanmar’s Rakhine state in late June, with mainly members of the country’s mostly Muslim Rohingya minority onboard, the statement said.

Some had reportedly travelled from the huge camps in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar, where more than million Rohingya refugees live in squalid conditions.

According to UNHCR, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead at sea in the northern Indian Ocean last year alone – out of more than 6,500 who had attempted such perilous sea crossings.

Rohingya undertake perilous sea journeys every year in search of better living conditions, travelling aboard rickety boats often operated by trafficking networks.

The statement said one boat, believed to have been carrying about 250 people, lost contact shortly after departure.

A second boat, reportedly carrying about 280 people, is meanwhile believed to have sunk off Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady coast on 8 July.

“While the incidents and casualty figures have yet to be officially confirmed, UNHCR and IOM are gravely concerned by the potentially devastating loss of life,” the statement said.

The UN agencies highlighted that the journeys “took place outside the regular sailing season, when maritime conditions are typically more hazardous”.

“Recent torrential rain and flooding across the region have further increased the risks associated with such sea movements.”

The statement cautioned that “if verified, this tragedy would add to the nearly 300 people reported to be missing or to have lost their lives in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal so far this year, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals”.

Thursday’s statement stressed that the latest reported tragedies “underscore the devastating impact of protracted conflict and displacement, as well as the continued lack of sustainable solutions for Rohingya communities”.

“Escalating conflict and a worsening humanitarian situation in Myanmar, along with limited assistance and opportunities in refugee camps in Bangladesh, contribute to increasing numbers of people attempting perilous sea journeys in search of safety and protection,” they pointed out.

“The reported incidents also highlight the persistent risks posed by smuggling and trafficking networks, which continue to exploit the desperation of people seeking safety,” they added.

IOM and UNHCR called for “enhanced search and rescue efforts, access to asylum and protection, and actions against smuggling and trafficking networks”.

The agencies hailed Bangladesh for its “remarkable generosity in hosting Rohingya refugees for many years”, but stressed the need for “sustained international support” for the refugees and host communities, as well as “greater efforts to address the underlying drivers of forced displacement”. (The Guardian)

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The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Canberra (LCS 30), belonging to the US Navy, arrived at the Port of Colombo today (12). 

According to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the visit marks the fourth U.S. Navy littoral combat ship to call on Colombo, following the USS Tulsa, USS Charleston, and USS Santa Barbara.

The visit highlights the critical importance of continued engagement among maritime partners dedicated to security, cooperation, and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the command of Cmdr. James McLaughlin, the USS Canberra will make a brief stop in Colombo to take on fuel and supplies.

The USS Canberra (LCS 30) is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed to operate in near-shore environments and support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. 

Commissioned in July 2023, the ship reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a capable and agile presence across the Indo-Pacific. (Newswire)

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The flagship luxury passenger ship MS Amadea, operated by a German travel company, arrived at Galle Port today, bringing nearly 900 visitors to Sri Lanka as part of its ongoing world tour.

The vessel, registered under the flag of the Bahamas, carried 580 passengers and 315 crew members, with the majority of tourists being German nationals. 

The ship is currently on a 146‑day global voyage that began in Germany in December 2025.

Measuring 193 meters in length and featuring eight decks, the Amadea offers all “outside cabins” with private balconies, underscoring its reputation as a premier luxury liner.

Passengers were scheduled to visit Galle Fort, Hikkaduwa, Rumassala, Koggala, and Ahangama. However, rough seas prevented the safe use of small boats, prompting the ship to depart for Colombo Port instead.

The Amadea is also widely recognized in Germany as the official filming vessel for the popular television series Das Traumschiff (“The Dream Ship”), adding cultural significance to its visit. (Newswire)

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Iran says the bodies of dozens of sailors killed when the US attacked and sank its frigate ‘IRIS Dena’ off the coast of Sri Lanka will soon be returned to the country.

According to international media, Al Jazeera, in a statement reported by Fars News Agency, the army’s public relations office said 84 of the 104 bodies had been identified and would soon be transferred back to Iran.

The statement added that the repatriation was being carried out with the efforts of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the cooperation of the Sri Lankan government. (Newswire/ Al Jazeera)

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Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala says Sri Lanka will grant free one-month visas to a group rescued from Iranian vessels, allowing them to remain in Sri Lanka under humanitarian protection, Indian media, The Hindu, reported. 

According to the report, speaking on the matter on Sunday (08), Minister Ananda Wijepala said similar decisions could be taken in the future if necessary, stressing that such measures are not intended to support or harm any particular party.

“They will be granted one month gratis visas,” Wijepala told reporters. “We will not be taking any sides but will act on a humanitarian basis in terms of international law,” he stressed.

There are 32 who had survived the U.S. submarine attack on the sunk ‘IRIS Dena’ frigate. Another 186 were evacuated from ‘IRIS Bushehr’.

Out of the 32 from the sunk frigate, only 10 remain under treatment at Karapitiya, the national hospital at Galle, the southern port city. The 22 have been discharged from the hospital.

They were admitted on Wednesday (04) after the ship had been sunk, consequent to being torpedoed by a U.S. submarine.

Sri Lanka is yet to make a decision on their repatriation. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has said Sri Lanka would strictly adhere to the relevant international laws to deal with the situation. (Newswire/ The Hindu)

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Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman says the Iranian Navy Ship that sank off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka had sought permission to dock at the Galle Harbour, but the government had failed to respond in time. 

MP Rahman said the Iranian Navy ship had participated in a military training programme in India along with 74 other countries, including Sri Lanka. 

“The ship had left India after the training but had to change course due to the Middle East conflict. As such, it was in the waters 40 nautical miles from Sri Lanka for nearly 11 hours. The ship had requested to dock at the Galle harbour. But the government had not responded,” he said. 

MP Rahman pointed out that the US submarine was in the Gulf and had received information about the Iranian Navy ship, after which it had targeted the vessel close to Sri Lankan waters. 

“Why did we allow the Iranian ship to wait for 11 hours. We are bound by international laws and conventions. Why did we not allow the vessel to berth at Galle Port? Why the delay?” MP Rahman further questioned.

Opposition MP Mujibur Rahman raised the questions in Parliament today while commenting on the attack on the Iranian Navy ship ‘Iris Dena’ off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka yesterday. (Newswire)

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Chief Government Whip, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, today acknowledged that another Iranian vessel is currently in international waters close to Sri Lanka’s maritime border. 

Addressing Parliament, Minister Jayatissa said the government and the Ministry of Defence are aware of the vessel’s presence and are taking necessary interventions to ensure the safety of those on board.

“The ship is not in Sri Lankan waters. It is located in the exclusive economic zone. The government and the Defence Ministry are aware of the ship. The government is involved in providing maximum intervention pertaining to the lives of those onboard. We will give a report once we complete the mission,” he added.  

Responding to questions raised by the opposition regarding the Iranian Navy ship that sank off the coast of Galle, Minister Jayatissa clarified that the ship was in the Exclusive Economic Zone and not in Sri Lankan waters. 

“The Exclusive Economic Zone is 12 nautical miles from Sri Lanka. Any country is allowed to travel, and there is freedom of navigation. Sri Lanka only has authority related to economic affairs in the said zone. However, the attack happened 19 nautical miles from Sri Lanka,” he clarified. 

Minister Jayatissa said that Sri Lanka was informed of bodies in the waters, based on which the Navy started rescue operations. 

“At the time, we did not probe whether it was a result of a military or torpedo attack or war-related. We acted purely on a humanitarian basis. 32 people were rescued and admitted to the Karapitiya Hospital. One person is in the ICU. A total of 87 dead bodies were recovered,” he said. 

Acknowledging that the government and state hospitals did not have the necessary freezers for the bodies, Minister Jayatissa said that the authorities were looking at obtaining the private sector’s assistance in this regard.

“We are looking to obtain help from the private sector. We are in discussion. We believe we need 2 freezers. In a few hours, the two freezers will be heading to Galle,” he said. 

Clarifying conflicting reports on the attack on the Iranian ship yesterday, Minister Jayatissa said the government acted based on information at hand at the time, pointing out that the US officially confirmed a torpedo attack only in the evening.

“We are doing our best as the government in this regard. We are acting based on international laws, peace, and security, which is our responsibility as the government. We are taking necessary measures. We will brief parliament in due time,” he added. (Newswire)

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Thirty-two Iranians rescued from the Iranian warship ‘IRIS Dena’ by the Sri Lanka Navy and brought to Galle have been admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, hospital sources said.

The vessel had reported distress about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle earlier today (04), prompting the Sri Lanka Navy to launch a rescue operation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath earlier told Parliament that around 180 individuals were on board the Iranian Navy vessel when it encountered difficulties at sea. 

“We first received a distress call at around 05.08 am. We immediately dispatched two Navy ships to assist the Iranian Navy Vessel. Thereafter, a joint operation was conducted by the Navy and Air Force to rescue those in need of help. 30 persons in need of urgent help were immediately rescued. They have been admitted to the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle,” he said. 

Minister Herath further said that the Iranian Navy vessel was not in Sri Lankan waters, but within close vicinity off the coast of Galle. 

“We are bound by the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention), 1979, to help any ship in distress, irrespective of its nationality,” he added. (Newswire)

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Another former U.S. Coast Guard cutter has been transferred from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, the 4th such vessel to Sri Lanka, deepening cooperation with the Sri Lanka Navy.

“As response efforts for Cyclone Ditwah are underway, including those via sea, we’re reminded how much strong maritime partnerships matter,” US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said in a post on ‘X’. 

Ambassador Chung further said that the vessel’s voyage to Sri Lankan waters will take several months, but will embolden Sri Lanka’s future efforts against drug trafficking, smuggling, and search & rescue efforts, reflecting an enduring U.S. commitment to maritime preparedness. (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Sri Lanka says the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) will visit the Port of Colombo on 16th August 2025.

According to the US Embassy, the visit marks the USS Santa Barbara’s first port call to Colombo, underscoring the strength of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership and shared commitment to a secure, prosperous, and free Indo-Pacific. 

It also reflects the longstanding ties between our navies and the close cooperation that defines our relationship. Colombo will serve as a brief stop for the ship to take on fuel and supplies before continuing its mission, the Embassy added. 

The USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) is a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, which commands the world’s largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.

“The arrival of the USS Santa Barbara in Sri Lanka is a powerful symbol of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership in action. As part of the U.S. 7th Fleet—the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet—this visit reflects our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “We’re proud to stand alongside Sri Lanka as we work together to promote peace and prosperity across the region.”

The USS Santa Barbara is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed to operate in near-shore environments and support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. Christened on October 16, 2021, it is currently operating as part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. The Santa Barbara conducts regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (Newswire)

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USS Spruance of the United States Navy which arrived at the port of Colombo on a replenishment visit, was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy upon its arrival today (Aug 19).

According to the Sri Lanka Navy, USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer 160 meters in length, is operated by a crew of 338 personnel. The ship is under the command of Commander Thomas Adams.

Following the completion of replenishments, USS Spruance is scheduled to depart Sri Lanka tomorrow (Aug 20). (Newswire)

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A ship, owned by an Indian company, has been taken into custody by Sri Lanka’s Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) for causing an oil spill while anchored at the Colombo Port, it was reported.

According to a MEPA official, compensation was sought for the oil spill under the Marine Environment Protection Authority Act, while the company’s owner has admitted to the incident and agreed to provide compensation.

The official further said legal action had been initiated against the Indian company and the relevant insurance company over the oil spill. 

Based on a request by the Colombo Port Police, the Colombo Magistrate Court imposed a travel ban on the ship captain preventing him from leaving the country. 

It is reported that a special investigation conducted by MEPA revealed a leak of hydraulic oil from the ship while it was anchored at the Colombo Port for maintenance activities recently. (Newswire)

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Approval has been granted by the Cabinet of Ministers for the promotion of the registration of ships under the Sri Lankan flag in a bid to explore the potential to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities.

The government states that ship registration is a major source of foreign exchange to the country’s economy. 

As such, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to invite expressions of interest and proposals from qualified domestic and foreign institutions to promote the registration of ships under the Sri Lankan flag.

Cabinet approval has also been received to select the most suitable institutions on the recommendation of the Procurement Committee, consequent to the evaluation of the proposals by a Technical Evaluation Committee. (NewsWire) 

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IRINS Bushehr and Tonb, the two Iranian Naval Ships which arrived in Colombo last week (Feb 16), departed the island on Monday on successful completion of their formal visit. 

The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ships at the port of Colombo, in accordance with naval traditions.

According to the Navy, the Commanding Officers of the ships, Commander MAHDI BALVARDI (IRINS Bushehr) and MOHAMMAD HAJI ZADEH (IRINS Tonb) called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Saman Perera at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Nishantha Peiris at the Navy Headquarters. 

On completion of these discussions, they exchanged mementoes, to mark the importance of those occasions.

Meanwhile, a group of Officer Cadets from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University had the opportunity to visit the duo of Iranian naval ships at the port of Colombo. 

Crew members of the ships also visited the National Defence College, Defence Services Command and Staff College and General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University.

In addition, personnel from the two Iranian naval ships took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, with a view to promoting camaraderie and goodwill between the two navies. 

They also took time off to visit some of the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. 

Meanwhile, the Secretary of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also visited the two ships. (NewsWire)

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