Sri Lanka Rescues 32 from Sinking Iranian Frigate, 101 Missing

Sri Lanka's navy and air force rescued 32 crew members from the sinking Iranian frigate IRIS Dena on Wednesday after the vessel issued a distress call from international waters off the southern coast near Galle. Reports indicate the ship was struck by a submarine, leaving more than 100 personnel missing amid a major maritime search operation.

The incident unfolded around 5:08 a.m. local time, approximately 40 nautical miles southwest of Galle in the Indian Ocean. A defense ministry spokesperson confirmed that the Sri Lankan military received an emergency signal from the IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate belonging to Iran's Southern Fleet. Navy vessels and aircraft were immediately dispatched for a joint rescue effort, evacuating the 32 survivors who had sustained injuries. Officials reported that the frigate had been participating in multinational naval exercises in Visakhapatnam, India, prior to the event.

Health authorities in Galle provided medical care to the rescued sailors at facilities including the National Hospital and Karapitiya Hospital. Dr. Anil Jasinghe, a health ministry official, stated that one individual remained in critical condition, seven were undergoing...