New Delhi: An Iranian naval warship sank in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka after a reported torpedo strike by a United States submarine, leaving at least 87 people dead and 32 rescued, according to officials.
The vessel, IRINS Dena, was carrying approximately 180 personnel at the time of the incident. Authorities said the ship went down about 40 nautical miles off the Sri Lankan coast.
Sri Lankan officials confirmed that the frigate issued a distress call before it sank. Rescue efforts led to the recovery of 32 survivors, while the majority of those on board were reported killed in the attack.
The incident occurred shortly after the vessel had participated in a naval exercise organised by the Indian Navy. The warship had also made a port visit to Visakhapatnam during the deployment.
Details surrounding the strike remain limited, but reports indicated that the attack involved a torpedo launched from a US submarine operating in the region. The sinking has taken place amid heightened military tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The incident follows a period of escalating hostilities in West Asia, including US-Israel strikes targeting Iran. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a series of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region.
Security analysts have warned that the expansion of military confrontations across the region could increase the risk of broader instability. The sinking of the Iranian frigate marks another significant development in the unfolding situation.
The Indian Ocean location of the incident has drawn attention because of its proximity to major international shipping routes. Maritime authorities are monitoring the situation closely as concerns grow over potential disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.
Officials have also raised the possibility that continued conflict in the region could affect key oil transportation routes that pass through the Gulf and surrounding waters.
Authorities in Sri Lanka confirmed that the distress signal from the ship was received shortly before it sank. Rescue operations were conducted in the surrounding waters, leading to the recovery of several survivors.
The Iranian vessel’s earlier visit to India and participation in naval exercises highlight the routine nature of its deployment before the incident occurred. However, the attack has now placed the event within the broader context of rising geopolitical tensions.
The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has already seen military activity across several parts of West Asia. With missile strikes, drone attacks and naval incidents reported in different areas, fears are increasing that the crisis could widen further.
Officials have not yet released additional operational details regarding the strike or the circumstances that led to the torpedo attack. Further information is expected as authorities in the region assess the situation and continue rescue and recovery efforts.
