The Iranian frigate Iris Dena ran aground off Sri Lanka’s coast near Galle after reporting a submarine attack, prompting a major rescue operation with more than 100 missing and 78 wounded
More than 100 people remain unaccounted for and 78 are injured from an Iranian warship that reported a submarine strike. Sri Lanka’s naval and air forces launched a combined rescue mission on Wednesday after the Iris Dena ran aground off the island nation’s southern coastline near Galle, according to officials.
A navy spokesman said the operation concentrated on evacuating crew members following the vessel’s distress signal reporting it had been struck. The Iris Dena is a Moudge-class frigate operating with the Iranian Navy’s Southern Fleet.
It’s believed that no fewer than 180 personnel were aboard the Iris Dena when disaster struck. The Iranian warship had participated in the MILAN 2026 multinational naval drills conducted in Visakhapatnam, India, reports the Mirror.
A top Sri Lankan official has since said 32 people have been rescued from the sinking Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka’s southern coast and have been admitted to a hospital.
Dr Anil Jasinghe, a health ministry official, said one of them is in critical condition, seven are receiving emergency treatment and others are being treated for minor injuries.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told the country’s parliament that Sri Lanka’s navy received information that the ship, Iris Dena, with 180 onboard was under distress, and that the island nation sent ships and air force planes on a rescue mission.
There were no immediate details as to how the sailors were wounded or how the ship was damaged.
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