04/03/2026
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04/03/2026
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COLOMBO, Mar 4: Sri Lanka reports at least 101 missing and 78 wounded after a submarine attack sank an Iranian frigate off its southern coast, with rescue efforts ongoing amid escalating regional tensions.
Incident Overview
The Sri Lankan Navy recovered several bodies and rescued 32 sailors after the IRIS Dena frigate sank about 40 nautical miles (75km) off Galle early Wednesday, following a distress call between 6am and 7am local time.
The vessel, carrying around 180 crew members, was returning from India's International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam last month.
Rescue Operation
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said parliament was informed that the navy dispatched ships and air force planes after receiving the distress signal.
A navy spokesperson confirmed no other vessels or aircraft were spotted in the area.
Regional Context
The sinking coincides with ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran for a fifth day, following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and nearly 800 others, including schoolgirls.
