Sri Lanka's navy has executed a dramatic rescue mission, saving 32 individuals after an Iranian naval vessel sank in the Indian Ocean, just outside the island nation's territorial waters. The incident, which occurred in international waters, has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of multiple nations and the vessel's strategic importance.
Swift Response and Rescue Efforts
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament that Sri Lanka's navy received urgent distress signals indicating the IRIS Dena, an Iranian warship carrying 180 people, was sinking. The government immediately deployed naval ships and air force planes to the location. Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath described the scene upon arrival, noting, "There was no sign of the ship and there were only some oil patches and life rafts. We found people floating on the water."
Sampath confirmed that several deceased individuals were observed in the sea, though an exact count was not provided. The 32 survivors have been hospitalised, with Dr. Anil Jasinghe, a senior health ministry official, reporting one in critical condition, seven requiring emergency treatment, and others receiving care for minor injuries. Search and rescue operations remain active in the area.
US Involvement and Military Context
In a significant development, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that a torpedo from a U.S. submarine was responsible for sinking the Iranian warship. The IRIS Dena is a Moudge-class frigate, one of Iran's newest warships, equipped with heavy guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and a helicopter. It primarily patrols deep waters for the Iranian navy.
This frigate gained international attention during a 2023 tour, visiting ports in South Africa and Brazil alongside the support ship IRIS Makran. Both vessels were sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in February 2023, along with executives from an Iranian drone manufacturer linked to supplying weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.
Broader Implications and Statements
U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads Central Command, highlighted the broader conflict, noting that at least 17 Iranian naval vessels have been sunk during the ongoing war. In a video message, he asserted, "We are also sinking the Iranian navy — the entire navy," underscoring the escalating tensions.
The cause of the injuries and the extent of damage to the ship have not been detailed by Sri Lankan officials, who continue to focus on the rescue mission. The incident underscores the volatile geopolitical landscape in the region, with implications for international relations and maritime security.
Associated Press journalists Adam Schreck in Bangkok and Jon Gambrell in Dubai contributed to this report, providing additional context and updates on the developing situation.
