An Iranian warship sank off the coast of Sri Lanka, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by Sri Lankan forces. Authorities confirmed that 32 people were rescued, while several bodies were recovered and many others are feared missing.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed parliament that the vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, had sunk in waters off Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean.
The incident triggered an immediate search and rescue operation involving the Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force after the ship sent out a distress call.
Officials confirmed that 32 people who were injured in the incident were rescued and taken to hospital.
Injured personnel receiving treatment
According to a Sri Lankan Navy spokesman, the rescued personnel were transported to a state-run hospital in the southern port city of Galle, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Authorities said the focus of the operation is saving lives and searching for additional survivors.
“We are hopeful we can rescue more people and will continue operations until we are sure,” the navy spokesman said.
Conflicting reports on missing crew
Sources within Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry initially suggested that at least 101 people were missing after the ship went down. However, the navy spokesman later rejected the report that 101 personnel were missing, saying the number could not be confirmed.
Several bodies have already been recovered from the sea, though the exact casualty count remains unclear.
Claims of submarine attack unconfirmed
Some defence sources suggested that the vessel may have been attacked by a submarine, though it remains unclear who might have carried out such an attack.
Sri Lankan officials said no confirmation has been made regarding the cause of the sinking. The navy spokesman emphasized that Sri Lankan forces have not observed any other ship or aircraft in the area at the time of the incident.
Authorities said the cause of the sinking will be investigated once rescue operations are completed.
The Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force launched coordinated rescue efforts after receiving the distress signal from the Iranian vessel. Search teams are continuing operations in the surrounding waters to locate survivors and recover additional victims.
Officials said the priority remains rescuing any remaining personnel who may still be alive.
Questions about regional response
Reports circulating in the region claim the Iranian ship had arrived in India on February 17 for naval exercises before the incident occurred in the Indian Ocean.
Some reports have questioned whether India failed to assist the vessel despite being aware of its presence, raising concerns about the response to the emergency. These claims remain unverified and have not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Navy responded quickly to assist the distressed vessel and transported injured personnel to hospital.
Authorities say the investigation into the exact cause of the incident and circumstances surrounding the sinking will continue after the rescue mission concludes.
