Sri Lanka rescues sailors after Iranian warship Iris Dena sinks near its coast

A dramatic maritime incident unfolded in the Indian Ocean after an Iranian naval vessel sent a distress signal and later sank near the southern coast of Sri Lanka, triggering an urgent rescue operation by the Sri Lankan Navy.

The vessel involved was the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena, which reportedly went down after a submarine strike in international waters near the port city of Galle.

Distress call triggers rescue mission

Sri Lankan authorities launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation after receiving a distress signal from the Iranian vessel early on March 4, 2026. Naval units rushed to the location even though the incident occurred outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.

Rescue teams arriving at the scene found survivors floating in the water along with debris and an oil slick from the damaged ship. According to Sri Lankan officials, at least 30–32 crew members were rescued, while many others were still missing.

Submarine strike sinks the vessel

Officials and military sources later confirmed that the Iranian frigate had been torpedoed by a U.S. submarine, marking a rare instance of a submarine sinking a surface warship in modern naval conflict.

The ship had recently participated in an international naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal hosted by India and was reportedly on its return journey to Iran when the attack occurred in the Indian Ocean.

The explosion reportedly damaged the rear section of the vessel, causing it to sink rapidly before rescuers could reach the site.

Heavy casualties reported

The incident resulted in significant loss of life. Reports indicate that at least 87 sailors were killed, while dozens more were missing after the sinking. Around 32 survivors were rescued and taken to hospitals in Galle for treatment.

Sri Lankan authorities transported injured sailors to local medical facilities and continued searching the surrounding waters for additional survivors.

A widening maritime conflict

The sinking of IRIS Dena represents a major escalation in the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States. The attack occurred far from the Persian Gulf, extending the conflict zone into the Indian Ocean.

For regional maritime security, the event highlights how naval confrontations can quickly impact international waters and draw nearby countries like Sri Lanka into humanitarian rescue efforts.

The sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka’s coast is one of the most significant naval incidents in recent years. While the attack itself occurred in international waters, Sri Lanka’s rapid rescue response saved dozens of lives and underscored the critical role coastal nations play in maritime emergencies.