Iranian Ship Returning From India Sunk Off Sri Lanka Coast By Submarine Strike

Colombo: Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, significant news has emerged. The Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena was reportedly attacked by a submarine off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, causing the ship to sink. According to reports, at least 101 people are missing and 78 injured, 32 of whom are in critical condition.

What was the incident?

The Moudge-class frigate was reportedly returning to Iran after participating in the Milan 2026 multinational naval exercise held in Visakhapatnam, India. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament that the Sri Lankan Navy and Sri Lankan Air Force immediately launched a rescue operation after receiving a distress call from the ship in the morning. So far, 32 people have been rescued and admitted to a hospital in Galle, where one has died and one remains in critical condition.

What did the Sri Lankan Navy say?

Sri Lankan Navy sources stated that a total of 180 people were on board the ship. Rescue operations are ongoing and a search is underway for the missing. While the attack's role has not yet been officially confirmed, the incident is being linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.

“Reject reports of any reported causes for the ship sinking. Cannot give details on the number of dead as of now. 

“We are hopeful we can rescue more people and will continue operations until we are sure. We did not observe any other ship in the area. The ship is a military vessel,” a spokesman for the Sri Lankan Navy said, adding that the incident took place beyond Sri Lankan waters but that Sri Lanka was committed to providing all required support.

On the fifth day of the conflict, the United States and Israel launched heavy airstrikes on several cities, including Tehran. Iran responded with a series of missile and drone attacks on Israel and across the region. This incident has further escalated regional tensions.