Sri Lanka rescued 32 “critically wounded” sailors aboard the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which sank Wednesday (March 4, 2026) just outside the island’s territorial waters, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry said it was searching for the other crew of the IRIS Dena, which went down about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the island. Ms. Herath said two Sri Lankan navy vessels and an aircraft were deployed for the rescue operation, but did not say what caused the Iranian warship to sink. Mr. Sampath said their operation was in line with Sri Lanka’s maritime obligations and that 32 Iranian sailors were evacuated to the main hospital in Galle, 115 kilometres (70 miles) south of the capital Colombo. Both Sri Lanka’s Navy and the Air Force said they were not releasing footage of the rescue because it involved the military of another state.

Source: The Hindu March 04, 2026 10:55 UTC