An Iranian naval frigate, IRIS Dena, sank approximately 40 nautical miles off Galle on Sri Lanka’s southern coast following a suspected submarine attack, leaving at least 101 crew members missing and 78 injured, one critically.
The vessel, carrying around 180 personnel, issued a distress call early on March 4, 2026, prompting an immediate response from Sri Lankan naval and air forces under international maritime obligations.
Sri Lankan authorities confirmed the ship went down outside territorial waters amid ongoing regional tensions.
Sri Lanka’s Navy launched a major sea and air operation at 6:00 a.m. local time (1230 GMT), rescuing at least 32 to 79 injured sailors who were transported to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle and other facilities.
Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath emphasized the response fell within Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Area in the Indian Ocean, with Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara noting joint naval-air coordination.
Operations continue to locate remaining personnel, though some reports mention one confirmed death and unverified sightings of bodies.
Sources in Sri Lanka’s Navy and Defence Ministry cited by Reuters described the incident as a submarine strike, but officials have not publicly verified the cause or identified perpetrators, with the attacker’s identity remaining unclear.
A Navy spokesman disputed the 101 missing figure, focusing instead on the rescued injured, while Iran’s IRGC recently boasted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, hinting at broader maritime frictions.
No group has claimed responsibility as of March 4, 2026.
The sinking occurs against heightened Middle East tensions spilling into the Indian Ocean, with the IRIS Dena—a Moudge-class frigate—on patrol near key shipping lanes.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister briefed parliament on the humanitarian response, placing southern hospitals on alert.
International observers note potential links to Iran-Israel proxy conflicts or rival naval powers in the region.
