Sri Lanka’s navy continues rescue and recovery operations after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship near the island’s southern coast. On Wednesday, an Iranian warship went down off Sri Lanka’s southern shoreline. Soon after, Sri Lanka’s navy launched search and rescue operations. According to an AFP report citing police and defence officials, naval teams have so far recovered 87 bodies from the sea.
“We have recovered 87 bodies, and the search continues for those who remain missing,” AFP quoted a navy official as saying.
At the same time, authorities confirmed that 61 sailors remain missing. Therefore, search teams are still scanning the waters for survivors and additional bodies.
Authorities Rescue 32 Sailors
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan forces rescued 32 sailors alive from the stricken vessel. Many of them suffered injuries. Officials immediately shifted them to a hospital in Galle for treatment.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that Sri Lankan personnel had pulled the wounded sailors from the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena.
As the injured sailors arrived at the hospital, police tightened security outside the facility to prevent any disturbance.
US Says Submarine Torpedoed Warship
In Washington, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine carried out the strike. He stated that the attack happened in international waters.
The vessel, identified as the frigate IRIS Dena, was returning to Iran after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25. The ship had earlier visited an eastern Indian port before heading home.
“An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Reuters quoted Hegseth as saying at the Pentagon.
“Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death,” he added.
This Iranian warship thought it was safe in international waters. It wasn't.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 4, 2026
The @DeptofWar is fighting to win. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4bGMubuSQu
Distress Call Came Before Vessel Sank
According to Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath, the Iranian ship sent out a distress call at dawn. In response, Sri Lanka immediately dispatched a rescue vessel to the location.
However, by the time rescuers reached the area — within an hour — the warship had already sunk. Only an oil patch remained visible on the water’s surface.
The attack occurred about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Galle. So far, Iran has not issued any official statement on the incident.
Sri Lanka Cites Maritime Obligations
Sampath clarified that Sri Lanka acted in line with its international responsibilities.
“This is within our search and rescue area in the Indian Ocean,” Sampath told AFP.
He stressed that Sri Lanka responded as part of its maritime duty. Moreover, the country has maintained neutrality and repeatedly urged dialogue to resolve regional tensions.
Economic Stakes Remain High
Importantly, over one million Sri Lankans work across the region. Their remittances provide crucial foreign exchange for the country, which is still recovering from its worst economic crisis in 2022.
At the same time, both the Sri Lankan navy and air force decided not to release any rescue footage. Officials explained that the operation involved the military of another country.
For now, search teams remain at sea, and authorities continue efforts to locate the missing sailors.