India, March 4 -- Sri Lankan authorities reportedly said on Wednesday that the Sri Lanka Navy dispatched a rescue mission after a distress call from an Iranian ship.

Sri Lanka sent ships and aircraft to rescue 30 Iranian sailors aboard the Iranian frigate - Iris Dena - which was sinking Wednesday just ouside the island's territorial waters, AFP news agency reported, citing foreign minister Vijitha Herath said.

He told parliament that 30 injured sailors were being brought to a hospital in the island's south from the 180-crew frigate was sinking from dawn.

More details to follow shortly.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hindustan Times....