Dalena Reporters l Wednesday, March 4, 2026
COLOMBO — Sri Lankan authorities have launched a rescue operation after an Iranian naval frigate sank near the island’s territorial waters, leaving dozens of sailors injured and many others missing, officials confirmed Wednesday.
According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, the Iranian warship IRIS Dena issued a distress call early in the morning before it began sinking approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the island. Sri Lankan naval vessels and aircraft were quickly deployed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
Authorities said around 30 injured sailors were rescued and transported to hospitals in southern Sri Lanka for medical treatment. The frigate reportedly carried a crew of about 180 personnel, raising concerns that many others may still be missing.
The Sri Lankan defence ministry confirmed that search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing, with navy ships and aircraft combing the waters in hopes of locating additional survivors. Officials acknowledged that the chances of finding more crew members were uncertain as time passes.
The cause of the explosion or incident that led to the sinking has not yet been determined, and authorities have not confirmed whether the event is linked to the wider regional conflict involving Iran. Investigations are expected to follow once rescue operations are completed.
The sinking occurs during a period of heightened military tensions involving Iran, which has been engaged in escalating hostilities across the Middle East. Analysts say incidents involving naval vessels in nearby waters could further complicate security in the broader Indian Ocean region.