US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Off Sri Lanka Coast

An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship, the Iris Dena, off the south coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, marking the first sinking of an enemy ship by a US torpedo since World War II. The attack resulted in at least 80 confirmed fatalities and 32 survivors.

Details of the Incident

According to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, the Sri Lankan coastguard received a distress call from the Iris Dena at 5:08 am local time on Wednesday. Crew members reported an explosion The Guardian.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack, stating the Iranian frigate was sunk by a torpedo. He described it as a “quiet death” and emphasized that this was the first such sinking by the US since World War II The Guardian, The Times of Israel.

The Iris Dena was located approximately 44 nautical miles (81km) off the southern coastal city of Galle, Sri Lanka, outside of Sri Lankan territorial waters but within its economic zone The Guardian.

Rescue Efforts and Casualties

Sri Lankan naval vessels were dispatched to the scene after receiving the distress call. By 7:00 am local time, two naval vessels were involved in the rescue operation The Guardian.

As of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 87 bodies have been recovered from the site, and 32 crew members were rescued alive and transported to a hospital in Galle AP News, Reuters.

Sri Lanka’s deputy foreign minister reported at least 80 fatalities Reuters.

Background of the Iris Dena

The Iris Dena frigate had recently participated in the Milan 2026 military exercise in India in late February, alongside vessels from over 70 countries, including the United States and Iran The Times of Israel.

The ship was likely en route back to Iran when it was attacked Reuters.

US Central Command reported having destroyed 17 Iranian vessels prior to this incident The Times of Israel.