Indian Navy Launches Rescue Operation After Iranian Frigate Incident
Significant Military and Humanitarian Incident in the Indian Ocean
A major military and humanitarian event has recently unfolded in the Indian Ocean, prompting the Indian Navy to initiate an immediate rescue and relief operation. Reports indicate that the Iranian warship IRIS Dena sustained severe damage from a torpedo fired by a U.S. submarine, leading to its sinking. A distress signal from the vessel reached the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Sri Lanka.
The distress call was reportedly sent in the early hours of March 4, while the ship was located approximately 20 nautical miles west of the southern Sri Lankan city of Galle, within the country's search and rescue zone. Upon receiving this information, the Indian Navy promptly commenced its assistance efforts.
Notably, around 10 AM on March 4, the Indian Navy dispatched a long-range maritime surveillance aircraft to support the ongoing rescue operation. Additionally, a second aircraft was on standby, equipped with air-droppable life rafts, ready for immediate deployment if necessary.
According to available information, the Indian Navy's training vessel INS Tarangini was also involved in the operation. The ship received immediate orders and arrived in the search area by approximately 4 PM that same day. However, by that time, the Sri Lankan Navy and other agencies had already begun their rescue and relief operations.
Furthermore, the Indian Navy's survey vessel INS Ikshak was dispatched from Kochi to bolster the operation. This vessel is currently searching the waters near the incident site for the missing sailors. The Navy has stated that this entire operation is being conducted on humanitarian grounds to assist the crew of the ship.
The incident occurred when a U.S. submarine targeted the Iranian frigate in international waters. Reports suggest that the attack took place about 40 nautical miles off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The ship sent out a distress signal indicating an explosion, but it sank before Sri Lankan rescue vessels could reach it.
It is important to note that this warship was returning to Iran after participating in a military exercise held in Visakhapatnam, India. Approximately 130 sailors were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Following this event, Iran has expressed strong reactions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attack as a serious act in the sea, stating that it was an unprovoked assault in international waters and that the ship had previously been a guest of the Indian Navy. Iran has issued a warning to the United States regarding this incident.
On the other hand, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation at the Pentagon, stating that it is part of an ongoing conflict that has escalated following joint attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, with effects now spreading beyond the Middle East.
Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance throughout this incident, with its government continuously appealing for a resolution through dialogue. It is noteworthy that Iran is considered a major buyer of Sri Lanka's primary tea exports.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that another Iranian warship, IRIS Bushehr, has approached the maritime area near Sri Lanka, carrying approximately 300 sailors and cadets. This development has drawn international attention to military activities and diplomatic maneuvers in the region.