Environmental
Oil patch detected near Hikkaduwa coast after IRIS Dena sinking
An oil patch and debris from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena have washed ashore along the southern coast near Hikkaduwa, raising fears of marine pollution and ecosystem damage.
Fishers and coastal residents along the Hikkaduwa stretch of Sri Lanka’s southern coast reported an oil slick and floating debris following the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean. Authorities and marine experts are investigating the patch’s origin, while the Marine Environment Protection Authority, Navy, Coast Guard, and local agencies have launched cleanup operations to limit harm to coral reefs and fisheries. The area falls within a highly trafficked shipping zone, making the region vulnerable to oil spills. Environmental groups warn that unconfirmed pollution could threaten marine biodiversity and local livelihoods if not contained promptly.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Hikkaduwa coast, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 00:03 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 00:03 UTC
- Source
- Mongabay
- Connected threats
- Not provided