Indian Navy Launches Rescue Operations for Iranian Warship IRIS Dena

Indian Navy Responds to Iranian Warship Incident

On Thursday, the Indian Navy announced that it swiftly initiated search and rescue operations after receiving alerts from Sri Lanka regarding the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena.

The IRIS Dena was reportedly hit by a torpedo from a United States submarine near Sri Lanka's coast on Tuesday.

The Indian vessel INS Tarangini reached the search area around the Iranian frigate by 4 PM on Wednesday. Additionally, the INS Ikshak departed from Kochi to assist in the rescue efforts and is currently searching for any missing crew members.

According to the Indian Navy, Sri Lankan officials reported that a distress signal was received at the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Colombo early on March 4. Following this, the Indian Navy promptly commenced search and rescue operations, deploying a long-range maritime patrol aircraft at 10 AM on Wednesday to support Sri Lanka's efforts.

BREAKING: Indian Navy statement on the sinking of Iranian warship IRIS Dena by an American submarine yesterday pic.twitter.com/K5Wbh6ErSV

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 5, 2026

Another aircraft equipped with air-droppable life rafts was also put on standby, as reported by the Navy.

The INS Tarangini, already in the area, was deployed for rescue operations, coinciding with the commencement of Sri Lankan rescue efforts.

The attack on the IRIS Dena has resulted in at least 87 fatalities, with 61 individuals still unaccounted for. This incident occurred during a joint operation by the United States and Israel targeting the Iranian government.

Both Tel Aviv and Washington have asserted that Iran's actions represent an 'existential threat' to Israel. While Israel claims that Iran is nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, Tehran insists that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.