COLOMBO/NEW DELHI: A major search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of Sri Lanka after an Iranian naval vessel, the IRIS Dena, sank in international waters on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the cause of the sinking and the number of casualties, with sources alleging a submarine attack.
The Moudge-class frigate, which had around 180 crew members on board, went down approximately 40 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka after issuing a distress call. The vessel had recently participated in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India and was returning to Iran when the incident occurred.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Information from official sources remains fragmented and, in some cases, contradictory.
| Source | Claim / Position |
|---|---|
| Sources in Sri Lanka’s Navy/Defence Ministry | Claim the vessel was attacked by a submarine; at least 101 people missing. It is unclear who may have targeted the ship. |
| Sri Lanka Navy Spokesman (Official) | Rejected the report of 101 missing as inaccurate. Dismissed claims about the cause. “Cannot give details on the number of dead as of now.” |
| Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath | Confirmed the vessel, IRIS Dena, had gone down off the island’s coast. Incident occurred beyond Sri Lankan territorial waters. |
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that 32 injured people have been rescued and are receiving treatment at a state-run hospital in the southern port city of Galle. Several bodies have also been recovered from the sea, but their identities have not yet been confirmed.
“We are hopeful we can rescue more people and will continue operations until we are sure,” the navy spokesman stated, emphasizing that the immediate focus is on saving lives.
The Sri Lanka Air Force has joined the search operation after being alerted by the navy.
What Was Seen in the Area?
According to the navy, no other ships were observed in the vicinity at the time the distress call was received.
“Did not observe any other ship in the area,” the spokesman said.
Similarly, the Sri Lanka Air Force reported no unusual aerial activity. An Air Force spokesman confirmed, “No aircraft observed in that area during time of distress call.”
The Ship’s Recent History in India
The sinking of the IRIS Dena comes just weeks after its participation in multinational maritime engagements in India. The Eastern Naval Command had welcomed the Iranian vessel during its port call, and it took part in the International Fleet Review 2026 before embarking on its return voyage.
What Happens Next?
Sri Lankan authorities have stated that investigations into the cause of the incident will begin in earnest once the search and rescue efforts are completed. The incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened global tensions involving Iran’s military, but Sri Lankan officials have not attributed the cause to any specific party.
“Focusing on saving lives on the ship, afterwards we can conduct investigations into other details,” the navy spokesman said.
