At least 100 people missing after Iranian military ship sinks off Sri Lanka
Al Jazeera
March 4, 2026
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At least 100 people remain missing following the sinking of an Iranian military frigate, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka. The vessel sent out a distress call approximately 40 nautical miles (75km) southeast of Galle in southern Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning. Sri Lankan authorities have recovered several bodies and rescued 32 injured sailors from the incident, which occurred as the frigate was returning from the 2026 International Fleet Review in Vishakapatnam, India.
The cause of the sinking remains unknown, with no other ships or aircraft observed in the area at the time. Sri Lankan navy spokesperson Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura confirmed that the government dispatched naval ships and air force planes to aid in the rescue operation. The frigate was carrying around 180 crew members, of whom nearly 150 are still unaccounted for.
Sri Lankan officials are working to determine what led to the accident, with an Iranian embassy official sending two officers to Galle to speak with survivors and gather information. Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported from a hospital in Galle where the injured crew members were being treated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to piece together the events that led to the sinking.
The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions as the United States and Israel continued their air strikes on Iran following the recent killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and US-linked assets in Gulf countries, resulting in multiple casualties, including six US service members.
This tragic event raises concerns about maritime safety and underscores the ongoing geopolitical instability in the region. The sinking of IRIS Dena not only highlights potential risks for naval operations but also adds to the broader narrative of strained relations between Iran and Western nations. For readers interested in global affairs and regional security, this incident serves as
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/4/2026