Sri Lanka’s Navy recovers 87 bodies, rescues 32 survivors from Sunken Iranian frigate IRIS Dena

In a major maritime tragedy unfolding in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s navy has recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 survivors following the sinking of the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena. The incident occurred in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles (about 75 km) south of Galle, off Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

The IRIS Denaa Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, was reportedly returning to Iran after participating in the MILAN multilateral naval exercise and an International Fleet Review in the Bay of Bengal (held in Visakhapatnam, India, from February 18–25, 2026). The vessel, which had around 180 crew members on board, issued a distress call early Wednesday morning between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM local time.

Conflicting Reports on Casualties and Cause

Initial reports varied on the total casualties:

• Some sources indicated at least 80–87 confirmed dead, with 61 still missing (based on the latest recovery figures).
• Earlier estimates suggested over 100–150 missing, with hopes fading for additional survivors.

The cause of the sinking has sparked international attention. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that a U.S. Navy submarine sank the IRIS Dena using a torpedo (reportedly an MK 48 heavyweight torpedo) in international waters. This marks a significant escalation amid ongoing regional tensions. Footage and statements from U.S. sources described the strike, while Sri Lankan officials focused on the humanitarian rescue operation without initially commenting on the alleged attack.