US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship off Sri Lanka, Dozens Rescued
A United States submarine has reportedly sunk an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in multiple casualties and prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. According to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the strike, carried out with a torpedo in international waters, marks the “first such attack on an enemy since World War II.”
The Sri Lankan Navy confirmed the recovery of 87 bodies and the rescue of 32 wounded sailors following the sinking of the IRIS Dena, which was located approximately 40 nautical miles (75 km) off Galle in southern Sri Lanka. The ship had a crew of around 180 personnel and issued a distress call early on the morning of March 4, 2026.
The Iranian frigate had recently participated in the 2026 International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam, India, before returning to international waters. Sri Lanka’s authorities responded promptly, deploying navy ships and air force planes to assist survivors and coordinate search and rescue operations. Officials confirmed that no other vessels or aircraft were present near the sinking site.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath highlighted the government’s swift response, while Iranian embassy officials in Colombo sent officers to Galle to assess the situation and provide support to survivors.
This incident occurs amid escalating regional tensions, as US and Israeli air strikes continue against Iran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and nearly 800 others. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting US-linked and Israeli assets in the Gulf, resulting in multiple casualties, including the deaths of six US service members.
The sinking of the IRIS Dena underscores the ongoing maritime security risks in the region and the potential hazards for naval and commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.
