A submarine attack on the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the southern coast of Sri Lanka has led to a huge rescue effort. At least 101 people are missing and 78 are hurt. The Moudge-class guided-missile frigate, which was put into service in 2021, sent out a distress call early Wednesday near Galle. This led the Sri Lankan navy and air force to work together.
The attack happened in international waters, about 40 nautical miles southwest of Sri Lanka, and the ship sank very quickly. Reports suggest a US submarine carried out the torpedo strike amid escalating regional tensions, though no group has officially claimed responsibility. The Sri Lankan government said that the ship had about 180 crew members on board.
Sri Lanka’s military rescued at least 30-32 survivors, with 78 admitted to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle; one remains in critical condition. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament about the ongoing operation, saying that bodies had been found but not showing any footage because foreign troops were involved. The navy sent ships and planes, but hopes are fading for the missing as the search goes on.
Iran hasn’t said anything official yet, but this incident makes people more worried about naval confrontations in the Indian Ocean. According to new information from Sri Lankan defense sources and Reuters, more information about the attacker and the full number of casualties is still to come.
