Indian Navy Launched Search and Rescue Operation After IRIS Dena Distress Call Near Sri Lanka
New Delhi, 5th March 2026: The Indian Navy has launched extensive humanitarian search and rescue (SAR) operations following a distress incident involving the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena, which reportedly sank in international waters about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka, on March 4, a press release from Indian Navy stated.
According to US Defence department, IRIS Dena was hit by a torpedo from US Navy submarine in the international waters.
According to the Sri Lanka Navy, a distress call from IRIS Dena was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo in the early hours of March 4. The vessel, a Moudge-class frigate carrying around 180 personnel, was operating within the Sri Lanka-designated SAR region when the emergency signal was transmitted.
Sri Lanka’s Navy and other local agencies initiated primary SAR operations soon after receiving the alert. The Indian Navy subsequently moved to augment the ongoing efforts as part of a humanitarian response.
According to an official statement from the Indian Navy:
A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was deployed at 1000 hours on March 4 to support and expand the search operations led by Sri Lankan authorities.
Another aircraft was placed on standby with air-droppable life rafts for rapid deployment if required.
The Indian Naval ship INS Tarangini, which was already operating in the vicinity, was immediately diverted to the search area and reached the location by 1600 hours on March 4.
The survey vessel INS Ikshak sailed from Kochi to further strengthen the rescue effort and remains in the area, continuing the search for any missing personnel.
Coordination between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan authorities is ongoing to enhance the effectiveness of the joint rescue operations.
IRIS Dena had recently participated in the MILAN 2026 multinational naval exercise and the International Fleet Review held in Visakhapatnam in February 2026 before departing on its return voyage to Iran. The incident occurred in international waters, prompting a large-scale response focused on saving lives.
Sri Lankan authorities have reported that several survivors were rescued and taken to hospitals in Galle for treatment, while multiple bodies have also been recovered. Search operations for the remaining missing personnel are continuing amid challenging conditions in the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Navy stated that its involvement is purely humanitarian, aimed at assisting regional partners and aiding those in distress at sea in accordance with international maritime conventions.
