The Iranian warship IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, has reportedly sunk off the southern coast of Sri Lanka following an alleged submarine attack. The incident, which occurred just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, has left at least 101 crew members missing and 78 others injured, according to multiple reports citing Sri Lankan defense and navy sources.
Incident Details and Rescue Operations
The IRIS Dena, with approximately 180 crew members on board, issued a distress call around dawn on Wednesday after coming under attack. The vessel began taking on water and eventually sank about 25-40 nautical miles south of Galle, in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities responded swiftly, deploying navy ships, aircraft, and search-and-rescue teams under international maritime obligations.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed parliament that at least 30-32 critically wounded sailors were rescued and transported to hospitals in the southern region, including Galle. Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath emphasized the response was in line with search-and-rescue responsibilities in the area. Operations continue to locate the remaining missing crew members.
Initial reports from Sri Lankan defense sources suggested a possible submarine strike as the cause, though the exact perpetrator and full circumstances remain unconfirmed. No official attribution has been made by involved parties.
Geopolitical Context
The sinking comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets (referred to in some reports as part of “Operation Epic Fury”). These operations have targeted Iranian naval assets, including other vessels in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf regions. The IRIS Dena’s presence far from Iranian waters—potentially linked to prior exercises like MILAN-2026—has raised questions about the vessel’s mission and the broader escalation’s reach into the Indian Ocean.
Iranian officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the incident, but related comments from IRGC sources have focused on control over key waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. US statements have indicated readiness to secure shipping lanes in the region.