In the days leading up to the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka by a US strike, India permitted another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, to dock at Kochi due to urgent technical difficulties reported by Tehran, according to government sources. On February 28, Iran requested permission for the vessel to enter Kochi port, noting the urgent need for repairs while operating in the area.

Emergency Docking Request Received

The request from Iran highlighted the necessity for prompt docking at Kochi to address the vessel’s technical issues. Following this, Indian authorities approved the docking on March 1. The IRIS Lavan subsequently arrived at Kochi on March 4, according to the sources involved.

Crew Accommodation Details

The 183 crew members aboard IRIS Lavan are currently being housed at Indian naval facilities in Kochi. Government sources confirmed that the request for docking was made on February 28, stressing the urgency of the situation. The vessel is part of a contingent that participated in the International Fleet Review. The crew is now being supported at designated naval accommodations following the docking on March 4.

Context of the IRIS Dena Incident

The sinking of IRIS Dena occurred amid escalating conflicts stemming from a coordinated US-Israel attack on Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US attack, expressing that the country would face significant consequences for setting such a precedent. He characterized the action as an “atrocity at sea” that took place far from Iran’s shores, noting that the frigate carried nearly 130 sailors at the time of the strike. Following this incident, Sri Lanka also evacuated 208 crew members from the Iranian naval vessel on the day after the sinking.

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