101 Missing, 78 Injured After Submarine Attack on Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka

At least 101 people have been reported missing and 78 others injured following a suspected submarine attack on the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka.

According to Sri Lankan navy and defence sources, the distress call was received from the IRIS Dena, prompting an immediate rescue operation. The vessel was reportedly returning to Iran after participating in a naval engagement hosted by India when the incident occurred.

A Defence Ministry spokesperson said 79 individuals had been rescued and taken to hospital, with one person in critical condition. However, 101 others are still believed to be missing. The warship was said to be carrying about 180 crew members at the time of the attack.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, Vijitha Herath, earlier informed Parliament that 30 people had initially been rescued from the sinking vessel in waters near the country. He added that authorities would take appropriate action following the incident.

The distress signal was reportedly sent from approximately 40 nautical miles south of Galle, where injured survivors were later admitted to local hospitals. An air force surveillance aircraft has also been deployed to assist ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Sri Lankan Navy spokesperson Buddhika Sampath said the navy responded in line with international obligations, as the incident occurred within Sri Lanka’s designated Search and Rescue Area in the Indian Ocean.

The exact cause of the sinking and those responsible for the alleged submarine attack remain unclear as investigations continue.