An Iranian Navy Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena sank 40 nautical miles off Galle, Sri Lanka, after a suspected submarine-launched attack, leaving 101 sailors missing from its ~180 crew and 78 wounded.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force responded to the 5:30 AM distress call, rescuing ~30 critically injured survivors now at Karapitiya Hospital. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed operations in Sri Lanka’s search-and-rescue zone; Navy spokesman denied 101 missing but verified 32 rescued.
The vessel, returning from an Indian naval event, was armed with Qader missiles, torpedoes, and a helicopter pad.
Attack Attribution Unclear
No claimant identified; analysis suggests submarine torpedo amid US-Israel-Iran war escalation, including F-35 Yak-130 kill over Tehran. Busy Indian Ocean routes host US, Indian, Chinese navies.
India’s Proximity Response
Near India’s EEZ, incident follows 37 trapped ships/1,109 sailors in Hormuz; Navy patrols, MEA control room (1800118797) coordinates with missions as reserves hold at 25 days sans hikes. PM Modi’s diplomacy persists amid Khamenei funeral and Mojtaba succession.
