On March 4, 2026, a significant naval incident reportedly occurred in the Indian Ocean when the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was struck by a torpedo and sank in international waters roughly forty nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka. The vessel, part of Iran’s modern Moudge-class fleet, had been returning home after participating in multinational naval activities hosted by India in the Bay of Bengal. Sri Lankan authorities said the ship transmitted a distress signal early that morning before disappearing beneath the waves. In response, the Sri Lankan navy quickly launched search-and-rescue operations using both ships and aircraft to locate survivors and recover bodies from the surrounding waters.
Rescue teams later reported recovering dozens of sailors from the sea. According to initial estimates, the frigate had approximately 180 personnel on board at the time of the incident. Officials confirmed that several survivors were transported to hospitals in Galle, where medical teams treated injuries including burns, fractures, and shock. However, many crew members were initially reported missing, prompting continued search efforts across the area. The sinking occurred amid heightened regional tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which had intensified in late February following coordinated military operations in the Middle East. Military analysts noted that torpedo attacks against surface warships are relatively rare in modern naval warfare, making the reported incident particularly significant.
Iranian officials strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious escalation and accusing their adversaries of targeting a vessel sailing in international waters. The event has also drawn attention from diplomatic and legal experts, who emphasize the complex international rules governing naval engagements. Observers warn that the incident could have wider implications for maritime security, especially in the Indian Ocean’s vital shipping corridors.
