An Iranian naval frigate sank early Wednesday off Sri Lanka’s southern coast after a suspected submarine strike, with more than 100 sailors reported missing and dozens injured, Sri Lankan authorities said.
The United States later confirmed it carried out the attack.
The vessel, IRIS Dena, issued a distress call around 5.30 am local time while operating about 40 nautical miles off Galle. Sri Lanka’s navy and air force launched rescue operations after receiving the alert.
Sri Lankan officials said at least 30 sailors were rescued and taken ashore, many in critical condition. The injured were transported to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle. Authorities estimated that about 180 sailors were on board at the time of the incident, with between 100 and 150 still unaccounted for as of Wednesday afternoon.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told parliament that the vessel was sinking just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters but within its designated search and rescue zone. Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said two naval ships and a surveillance aircraft were deployed.
Earlier, officials had said preliminary information suggested the warship may have been struck by a submarine-launched weapon. Later, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine sank the Iranian vessel with a torpedo, calling it the first such attack on an enemy since World War II.
The sinking occurred amid escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iranian authorities have not yet issued a detailed response. The incident took place near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes regularly patrolled by multiple navies.