Iranian warship suffers engine trouble, anchored off Colombo port

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Mar 8, 2026
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The Iranian vessel IRIS Bushehr—now in the custody of the Sri Lankan government—remained yesterday at the outer anchorage of the Colombo port, with unresolved engine trouble reportedly preventing it from sailing to the Trincomalee harbour.

On Thursday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government has formally taken charge of IRIS Bushehr and its crew after discussions with relevant authorities, diplomatic missions, and the ship’s captain. On Wednesday, March 4, the vessel requested permission to enter a Sri Lankan port—either on March 4 or 5. It entered the outer anchorage of the Colombo port on March 5. The President said 208 personnel on board (53 officers, 84 cadets, 48 senior sailors and 21 sailors) were brought ashore. They are now accommodated at the Welisara Navy camp.

Read more in today's Sunday Times edition here