IRIS Dena: 32 rescued, 28 bodies recovered so farNewsThe Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has managed to rescue 32 Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena frigate, while the bodies of 28 others have been recovered so far. The vessel had sent a distress call while located about 40 nautical miles off Galle. The injured 32 sailors were brough ashore earlier today and rushed to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital for treatment. Naval assets from the SLN's Southern Command were deployed after a distress call from the IRIS Dena was received earlier today stating that it was sinking. Two officials from the Iranian Embassy in Colombo also arrived at the Karapitiya Hospital this evening to check on the status of the injured Iranian sailors.

Source: Sunday Times March 04, 2026 12:07 UTC