An Iranian warship has sunk off the southern coast of Sri Lanka after what authorities describe as a suspected submarine attack left more than 80 dead, 100 crew members missing and dozens injured, officials and sources said on Wednesday.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that a US submarine was responsible for torpedoing and sinking an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, describing it as a rare and significant military action.
As per reports, the vessel which is a Moudge-class frigate named IRIS Dena, was about 40 nautical miles (about 74 km) south of the port city of Galle when it issued a distress call early Wednesday morning, Sri Lankan defence officials told media. The ship was reported to be returning from a multinational naval exercise in India when trouble struck.
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Over 100 Missing, Dozens Injured on IRIS Dena
At least 100 crew members are believed to be missing, and at least 80 killed after the ship sank, sources in Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry said. Local media and officials added that 32 people were rescued and taken to hospitals in Galle, where many are being treated for their wounds. One of the wounded crew members is in serious condition, according to health officials.
According to reports, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that the navy and air force responded quickly after receiving the distress call. “We responded to the distress call under our international obligations,” said a navy spokesman, emphasizing that the rescue operation continues and Sri Lanka will keep searching for survivors.
Submarine Attack Suspected On IRIS Dena, Probe Ongoing
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that a US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, calling it a historic moment in modern naval warfare.
Speaking about the incident, Hegseth said the strike marked the first time since World War II that an enemy ship had been sunk by a torpedo.
“In fact, yesterday in the Indian Ocean, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo- the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II,” Hegseth said.
Reports say the Iranian military ship had around 180 people on board when it sent out the distress call. The sinking happened at a time when tensions were already extremely high. The United States and Israel had carried out coordinated strikes inside Iran. The strikes have resulted in the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top officials. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on targets across the Gulf.
The sinking of the IRIS Dena adds a new sea front to a conflict that until now has mostly involved airstrikes and missile attacks. Sri Lanka has said it will continue search and rescue operations. The navy and air force have sent ships and aircraft to scan the waters for survivors and debris. Local media have shown images of ambulances rushing injured sailors to hospitals in Galle. The rescue teams are working around the clock to find those still missing.
