Iran ship sinks in Lanka after reported strike, many killed
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The Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena, with around 180 crew members on board, went down on Wednesday in international waters about 40 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka.
An Iranian naval vessel that recently took part in exercises in India has sunk off the coast of Sri Lanka after being hit by a strike, leaving many dead.
The U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegesth revealed on Wednesday that the ship was hit by U.S. Submarine in international waters
This has prompted a major rescue mission.
The Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena, with around 180 crew members on board, went down on Wednesday in international waters about 40 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan officials said.
Sri Lankan authorities said they had rescued 32 people who were on board and recovered several bodies from the sea.
The ship had taken part in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India before embarking on its return voyage. Two weeks before the sinking, the Eastern Naval Command had welcomed the Iranian vessel during its port call in India.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that the vessel, identified as IRIS Dena, had gone down off the island’s coast.
The incident occurred beyond Sri Lankan territorial waters, but Colombo moved swiftly to assist after receiving a distress call.
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