A second Iranian warship was approaching Sri Lanka on Thursday, a day after a US submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in international waters off the island’s southern coast. The attack killed 87 sailors and has heightened concerns about further escalation in the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lankan minister Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed that the incoming vessel was currently outside the country’s territorial waters. The ship is believed to be carrying more than 100 crew members.

Fears of another attack

Officials and sources say there are concerns that the warship could face a similar attack to the one that destroyed IRIS Dena. The vessel has reportedly requested an urgent port call in Sri Lanka.

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Sources told AFP that authorities are monitoring the situation closely amid fears for the crew's safety. Jayatissa said the government is working to prevent further casualties.

"We are doing our utmost to safeguard lives," he said.

Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa also raised the issue publicly, urging the government to clarify its position on whether the ship would be allowed to dock.

"The government must immediately reveal what its stance is on this matter," he posted on X.

Rescue efforts continue after Dena sinking

Meanwhile, authorities in the southern port city of Galle were preparing to hand over the remains of the 87 Iranian sailors killed in the attack. At a hospital in Galle, 32 rescued Iranian crew members were still receiving treatment under tight security provided by police and elite commandos.

Sri Lanka's navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said search operations were still underway for around 60 sailors who remain missing.

Escalation in the Indian Ocean

The destruction of IRIS Dena has significantly widened the geographical scope of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The incident took place far from the Gulf region, where US and Israeli forces have been carrying out strikes against Iranian targets.

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The frigate had reportedly been returning from a military exercise in Visakhapatnam when it was hit. It issued a distress call early Wednesday morning but sank before Sri Lankan rescue vessels reached the scene.

Iran strongly condemned the strike and warned the United States of consequences.

"The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning," he said in a post on X. "Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set."

While Sri Lanka and India have maintained a neutral stance and urged dialogue, the region is increasingly being affected by the expanding conflict.