At least 101 people are missing and 78 others injured after a submarine attack on an Iranian vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to sources in the country’s navy and defence ministry, Reuters reported. The incident occurred in waters near Galle, triggering a large-scale rescue operation by Sri Lankan authorities.

The attack targeted the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, leaving dozens of sailors unaccounted for. Around 30 sailors have been rescued so far from the frigate, which sank just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, Al Jazeera cited Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath as saying.

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Rescue teams have transported several survivors to medical facilities in the region. 32 survivors have been admitted to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle, while one sailor remains in critical condition following the rescue, Al Jazeera reported.

Sri Lanka’s navy and air force have deployed ships and aircraft to support the ongoing search and rescue mission. Officials said the response was mobilised quickly due to the involvement of a foreign military vessel.

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About the warship

The IRIS Dena (hull number 75) is a Moudge-class guided-missile frigate operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. The vessel was built domestically at Bandar Abbas and was commissioned into service in 2021.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the search operation is continuing as authorities try to locate the remaining sailors. Around 180 personnel were believed to be aboard the warship at the time of the attack.