The sinking of an Iranian warship by a US submarine in Sri Lanka has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, as confirmed by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon media briefing. The incident occurred in the Indian Ocean as the warship was returning to Iran from a port in eastern India. Following a distress call from the Iranian IRIS Dena, the Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 individuals, while approximately 140 people remain missing.
According to Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s navy received information about the distressed IRIS Dena, carrying 180 individuals, prompting a swift rescue operation involving navy ships and air force planes. When the navy reached the designated location, they found no trace of the ship but discovered oil patches, life rafts, and individuals floating in the water.
Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath confirmed the presence of several deceased individuals in the sea without specifying an exact count. Despite the incident occurring outside Sri Lankan waters, the navy responded in accordance with international obligations. The rescued individuals, including seven receiving emergency medical care, were revealed to be from the Iranian ship.
The IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate equipped with heavy weaponry such as guns, missiles, and torpedoes, is among Iran’s modern warships. In 2023, the frigate embarked on an international tour, visiting countries like South Africa and Brazil, accompanied by the support ship IRIS Makran, a converted oil tanker.
