An Iranian naval vessel identified as IRIS Dena sank off the southern coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, prompting an urgent rescue operation in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities confirmed that 87 crew members were saved from the sea, while several bodies were recovered. The final casualty count has not yet been officially released.
The incident occurred near the port city of Galle, where injured survivors are currently receiving treatment at a government hospital. Many of those rescued were found exhausted and wounded after spending hours in open waters.
Officials said the Sri Lankan Navy received a distress call from the Iranian ship before it went down. Rescue teams responded immediately. The Sri Lanka Navy, working alongside the Sri Lanka Air Force, launched a coordinated air and sea search operation. Patrol vessels and aircraft were deployed to locate survivors drifting in the ocean.
A Navy spokesperson stressed that the priority remains saving lives. Search operations are ongoing as authorities continue scanning the surrounding waters to ensure no one is left behind.
Confusion briefly surrounded reports claiming that more than 100 crew members were missing. However, Sri Lankan officials later clarified that the figure of 101 missing personnel was inaccurate. Authorities also denied confirming any specific cause behind the sinking.
Earlier media reports cited defence sources suggesting that a submarine attack may have been involved. However, Sri Lankan forces stated they had not observed any other ship or aircraft in the area at the time of the incident. Officials emphasized that no conclusion has been reached and that a detailed investigation will begin once rescue efforts conclude.
The sinking comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Ongoing military escalation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has already disrupted regional stability, affecting oil supplies, airspace, and shipping lanes. While no official link has been established between the broader conflict and the warship incident, the timing has raised serious geopolitical concerns.
Sri Lankan authorities have maintained a neutral diplomatic stance. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament about the incident and confirmed that communication channels with Iran remain open. Officials reiterated that Sri Lanka’s immediate focus is humanitarian assistance rather than speculation about the cause.
Maritime experts note that warships can sink due to several factors, including mechanical failure, onboard explosion, structural damage, or external attack. However, investigators will need to examine radar records, communication logs, and survivor testimonies before drawing conclusions.
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As search and recovery operations continue off the coast of Galle, families of the crew await answers. Authorities are expected to release further details once the investigation progresses and all survivors are accounted for.