GALLE, SRI LANKA — A major maritime emergency is currently unfolding off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, as authorities scramble to assist two Iranian oil tankers following reports that 27 crew members have fallen ill.
The Sri Lanka Navy confirmed on Tuesday that they have been alerted to a medical crisis aboard the vessels, which are currently positioned in international waters off the port city of Galle. While details regarding the nature of the illness remain sparse, the sudden onset of symptoms affecting such a large portion of the combined crew has triggered an urgent inter-agency response.
Maritime officials have initiated communication with the captains of the tankers to ascertain the health status of those affected and to determine if the illnesses are linked to food poisoning, an infectious disease, or potential exposure to hazardous substances. Given the proximity of the ships to Sri Lankan waters, the nation’s health and defense authorities are coordinating closely to ensure that the vessels receive necessary support without compromising the island’s stringent maritime border security.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and remain in constant contact with the vessels,” a Navy spokesperson stated, noting that protocols for medical evacuations are currently being reviewed should the condition of the crew members deteriorate.
The incident has drawn significant attention due to the geopolitical sensitivity surrounding Iranian shipping. The tankers, which appear to have been traveling along a major international maritime route through the Indian Ocean, have been instructed to maintain their current positions until further evaluations are completed by health officials.
Sri Lankan health authorities in the Southern Province have been placed on high alert, preparing medical facilities in Galle to accommodate potential patients should the Navy authorize a shore-based medical transfer. However, officials emphasized that any transfer of crew members would be subject to strict health and quarantine protocols, particularly given the ongoing global concerns regarding public health and the transmission of illnesses at sea.
As of Tuesday evening, no deaths have been reported, and the vessels remain under surveillance by the Sri Lanka Navy’s offshore patrol vessels. International maritime safety organizations have also been notified of the development, and environmental agencies are standing by as a precautionary measure to ensure the vessels remain safely anchored or maneuvered during the emergency.
The identity of the vessels and their exact departure point have not been officially disclosed. Further updates are expected as local medical teams and port authorities finalize their assessments of the situation on board. For now, the focus remains on stabilizing the health of the 27 crew members and ensuring the vessels do not pose a navigational or safety hazard in the busy shipping lanes south of the island.
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