US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Off Sri Lanka Coast

A US military submarine has sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, marking the first such attack on an enemy vessel by the United States since World War II. The incident has resulted in at least 87 confirmed fatalities and 32 survivors, according to reports from Sri Lankan authorities.

Details of the Incident

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the attack during a press conference on Wednesday, stating that the Iranian frigate, identified as the IRIS Dena, was torpedoed in international waters. He presented footage of the attack, describing the vessel as the Islamic Republic’s “prize ship.” Source: The Independent

The IRIS Dena issued a distress call between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM local time on Wednesday, approximately 40 nautical miles off Galle, Sri Lanka. Source: Al Jazeera Sri Lankan naval forces and air force planes were dispatched for a rescue operation, but upon arrival, found only oil patches and life rafts. Source: The Independent

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Sri Lankan authorities have recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 sailors. Source: AP News The rescued individuals are receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Galle. Source: AP News Initial reports suggested over 100 people were missing. Source: Al Jazeera

Background and Context

The IRIS Dena had recently participated in the 2026 International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam, India, before returning to Iran. Source: Al Jazeera The sinking of the Iranian warship occurs amidst heightened tensions and ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, with reports of intensified bombardments of Iranian security forces. Source: AP News

Sri Lanka’s Response

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed parliament that the navy was alerted to the ship’s distress and initiated a rescue mission. Source: The Independent Security personnel have been deployed to the National Hospital Galle, and ambulances are stationed at the southern naval headquarters in Galle. Source: The Independent