Iranian frigate sinks off Sri Lanka after suspected submarine attack; dozens injured, many missing

A suspected submarine attack on an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka early March 4 triggered a major search and rescue operation after the vessel sank and dozens of sailors were wounded.

The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, believed to be carrying around 180 personnel, issued a distress call before sinking roughly 40 nautical miles south of the city of Galle. Sri Lankan authorities launched a coordinated response involving naval ships and air assets to assist survivors and recover the missing.

According to Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry sources, at least 101 people are missing after the sinking, while 78 others have been wounded in the incident.

However, Sri Lankan officials also said that 32 injured sailors have been rescued and taken to hospitals in Galle, with one in serious condition and others receiving treatment. One person brought to medical care has died, authorities added.

The cause of the explosion that led to the ship’s sinking is still being investigated. Although reports suggest a submarine could have fired a torpedo at the vessel, no country has officially claimed responsibility, and it remains unclear who carried out the attack.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed the distress call prompted the rescue mission and said the military would take “appropriate action,” but provided few details on the nature of the attack. Local media said the wounded arrived at National Hospital in Galle earlier in the day after being evacuated from naval craft.

The incident has raised concerns about regional maritime security, especially amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and Western military forces in the wider Indian Ocean region. Governments and defence analysts are closely monitoring developments as the investigation continues.