US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship: A Historic Naval Incident

In a historic naval incident, a US submarine has sunk the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in the recovery of 87 bodies and the rescue of 32 survivors. The event marks a significant moment in military history, as it is the first time since World War II that a US submarine has used a torpedo to sink an enemy vessel. The IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate, was on a mission with 180 crew members when it encountered distress. Rescue operations were launched, but by the time help arrived, the ship had disappeared. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and military actions in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 4, 2026, 22:16 IST

Tragic Naval Encounter Off Sri Lanka

Colombo: An Iranian warship was sunk by a US submarine near the coast of Sri Lanka, resulting in the recovery of 87 bodies and the rescue of 32 individuals, as reported by the Sri Lankan navy on Wednesday.

The vessel, known as the IRIS Dena, was described by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon briefing as a significant loss for Iran, marking the first time since World War II that a US submarine has sunk an enemy ship using a torpedo.

Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath informed Parliament that the navy had received distress signals indicating that the IRIS Dena, which had 180 crew members aboard, was sinking. Consequently, the country dispatched naval ships and air force aircraft for a rescue operation.

Navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath stated that by the time the rescue teams arrived, the ship had vanished, leaving only oil slicks and life rafts in its wake. Survivors were found floating in the ocean.

The 32 rescued individuals were taken to a hospital in Galle, a coastal town in southern Sri Lanka. According to Dr. Anil Jasinghe from the health ministry, one survivor is in critical condition, while seven others are receiving emergency care for their injuries.

The IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate, is one of Iran's latest naval assets, equipped with heavy artillery, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes, along with a helicopter.

This frigate was part of a two-ship international tour in 2023, which included stops in South Africa and Brazil, accompanied by the support vessel IRIS Makran, a modified oil tanker.

In February 2023, the US Treasury Department placed both ships under sanctions, along with eight executives from an Iranian drone manufacturer linked to supplying weapons to Russia for use against civilian targets in Ukraine.

According to US Admiral Brad Cooper, who oversees the American military's Central Command, at least 17 Iranian naval vessels have been sunk during the ongoing conflict, asserting, 'We are also sinking the Iranian navy – the entire navy,' in a recent video message.