Sri Lankan Navy Rescues 32 Iranian Sailors After US Attack Sinks IRIS Dena

The Sri Lanka Navy carried out a major rescue operation after a US torpedo attack reportedly sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in waters near southern Sri Lanka.

According to officials, 32 Iranian sailors were rescued alive after the vessel was struck on March 4, while 87 crew members were reported dead in the attack.

The incident has added another layer of tension to the already escalating conflict in West Asia.

Attack Near Sri Lankan Waters

The attack reportedly occurred about 19 nautical miles off the coast of Galle.

Following the strike, the Iranian naval vessel suffered heavy damage and eventually sank, leaving dozens of sailors stranded in open waters.

The Sri Lankan Navy quickly launched a rescue operation after receiving distress signals from the area.

Rescue Operation Saves Survivors

Naval personnel managed to locate and rescue 32 surviving sailors, who were then transported to medical facilities for urgent treatment.

Footage from the operation showed rescue teams pulling survivors from the sea and providing emergency care before transferring them to hospitals.

Authorities said the rescue mission was conducted under difficult conditions but was successful in saving several lives.

Sri Lankan President Calls for Restraint

Sri Lanka’s President Anuradha Senaike issued a statement after the rescue operation, emphasising humanitarian responsibility during maritime crises.

The president urged all countries involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and avoid turning international waters into battlegrounds.

He also stressed that humanitarian efforts should take priority when lives are at risk at sea.

Iran Requests Return of Bodies

Iranian authorities have formally requested Sri Lanka to assist in returning the bodies of the 87 sailors who lost their lives during the attack.

Officials said the process of identifying and transferring the remains will be coordinated through diplomatic and naval channels.

Assistance to Another Iranian Vessel

During the rescue operation, the Sri Lankan Navy also responded to a distress call from another Iranian naval ship, IRIS Bushar.

The vessel reportedly required assistance after the attack on IRIS Dena created a dangerous situation in nearby waters.

Sri Lankan naval units provided support to ensure the safety of the ship and its crew.

Rising Tensions at Sea

The incident highlights the increasing risks facing ships operating in waters affected by the expanding conflict.

Military confrontations in and around strategic maritime zones have raised concerns about the safety of naval and commercial vessels.

Experts warn that continued escalation could threaten international shipping routes and increase instability across the region.

Humanitarian Response Amid Conflict

Despite the geopolitical tensions surrounding the incident, the rescue effort by the Sri Lankan Navy has been widely viewed as a humanitarian action aimed at saving lives at sea.

Authorities said maritime rescue obligations apply regardless of political or military circumstances.

As investigations and diplomatic discussions continue, the situation remains sensitive, with international attention focused on the growing conflict and its impact on maritime security.