SL tracks 11 US-sanctioned Iranian tankers off coast

Sri Lanka's maritime authorities are keeping a close eye on a fleet of 11 Iranian oil tankers that are bound for the United States and are currently just off the island's southern coast. These vessels are in a precarious situation, as they cannot return to Iran due to a United States blockade on ships utilizing Iranian ports. The presence of these tankers has sparked concern, as they were spotted near Galle harbour, the very location where an Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was tragically sunk by a US submarine in March, resulting in the loss of 104 sailors.

In a swift response, Sri Lanka's navy managed to rescue 32 Iranian sailors from the sunken frigate. To keep a watchful eye on these Iranian vessels, Sri Lanka has deployed reconnaissance aircraft and patrol boats, all operating within their 12-nautical-mile territorial waters. According to a military official, the deployment of these resources is solely for monitoring purposes, and it is within their rights for the tankers to remain in international waters.

It is also important to note that the tankers have not sought permission to enter Sri Lankan territory, and there is no evidence of any illicit activities, such as ship-to-ship transfer of oil or illegal discharge of pollutants. Consequently, there is no basis for Sri Lankan authorities to take any action against them. Despite the sanctions imposed by the US, many Iranian merchant vessels have since shifted their course eastward, heading towards the Strait of Malacca and Singapore.

However, several of these vessels have remained in proximity to Sri Lankan waters. Interestingly, it has been reported that Washington has not formally notified Colombo about the sanctioned Iranian-flagged vessels, leaving Sri Lanka in the dark about the exact number of vessels under the US blockade.