An Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, sank in international waters near Sri Lanka on March 3 after reportedly being struck by a torpedo fired from a U.S. submarine. The attack caused the vessel to go down, leaving more than 80 sailors dead.
According to reports, the Iranian naval vessel had been returning home after attending events in India at the invitation of the Indian Navy. The ship had participated in two major naval gatherings: the “MILAN” multinational naval exercise and forum and the International Fleet Review 2026 in India.
Footage from the MILAN event showed members of the Iranian Navy’s military band participating in a ceremonial parade. Tragically, many of those personnel are now believed to have been among those who lost their lives in the sinking.
The incident has sparked reactions online in India, where some commentators expressed anger, claiming that the U.S. military had effectively targeted “guests of India.” Retired Indian Air Force officer Manmohan Bahadur strongly condemned the incident on social media, describing the action as “completely reckless and deeply unethical.” He added that the Iranian sailors had come to participate in a peaceful naval event and that the vessel might not have been carrying weapons.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the military operation during a Pentagon press briefing on Wednesday. He stated that late Tuesday night a U.S. submarine launched a torpedo in international waters near the Sri Lankan coast, successfully striking and destroying the Iranian warship.
The U.S. side also released a black-and-white image showing a large column of water rising from the sea following the torpedo impact. According to U.S. officials, this marks the first time since World War II that a U.S. submarine has sunk an “enemy vessel” using a torpedo.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed parliament that the warship sent out an emergency SOS distress signal early Wednesday morning. In accordance with international maritime search and rescue conventions, Sri Lankan authorities immediately launched a rescue operation. Within less than an hour of receiving the signal, rescue ships reached the site, about 40 kilometers off the southern port city of Galle, and began recovery efforts.
On March 5, the Sri Lankan Navy and the National Hospital of Galle jointly confirmed that rescuers had recovered 87 bodies of Iranian sailors, while 32 survivors were rescued and are currently receiving treatment at Karapitiya National Hospital in Galle.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the incident, calling it an act of “U.S. brutality.” He stated that the Dena had been an invited participant in Indian naval activities and that the vessel carried trainees rather than combat personnel. The ship was reportedly attacked in international waters more than 2,000 miles (approximately 3,218 kilometers) from Iran’s coast, without prior warning.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the Sri Lankan Navy is arranging assistance for another Iranian vessel, IRIS Bushehr, which requested port entry due to engine problems. The ship, carrying 208 personnel, will initially be accommodated before being transferred to the eastern port of Trincomalee.
President Dissanayake emphasized that Sri Lanka will fulfill its international obligations and act on humanitarian grounds, stating that the country does not take sides nor yield to external pressure.
The sinking of the warship comes amid growing tensions and violence in the region. Observers say the latest tragedy underscores the rising human cost of ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Source: Swarna–Touhid–Lily, China Media Group.