At least 87 people have been confirmed dead following a maritime strike on an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka, France24 reported late Thursday. Local authorities report that the vessel was targeted by a US submarine on Wednesday, citing crew testimonies of a massive onboard explosion. Rescue and recovery operationsForeign Minister Vijitha Herath, alongside senior defense officials, stated that the Sri Lankan Navy successfully rescued 32 survivors from the wreckage. Regional escalationThe maritime strike marks a significant expansion of the ongoing military campaign launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday. In response to the attack, the Sri Lankan Navy has deployed two vessels and an aircraft to conduct a comprehensive Search and Rescue operation.

Source: Egypt Independent March 05, 2026 09:28 UTC