The Indian Navy launched search and rescue operations after receiving a distress call from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was reportedly hit by a torpedo fired by a United States submarine near the coast of Sri Lanka. The attack led to the deaths of more than 80 sailors on board the ship.

According to the Navy, the distress message was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre during the early hours of March 4. The Iranian vessel was located about 20 nautical miles from Galle in the Search and Rescue (SAR) region that falls under Sri Lanka’s responsibility.

After receiving the alert, the Indian Navy immediately began rescue operations in coordination with Sri Lankan authorities. In an official statement, the Navy said that a long-range maritime patrol aircraft was sent to help accelerate the search efforts that had already been started by Sri Lanka. Another aircraft equipped with air-droppable life rafts was also kept ready on standby in case survivors needed immediate assistance.

The Navy also deployed ships in the area to support the rescue work. INS Tarangini, which was already operating nearby when the distress call was received, was quickly directed to assist in the search and rescue mission. The vessel joined the ongoing efforts to locate survivors and provide support.

In addition, the Indian Navy sent INS Ikshak from Kochi to strengthen the rescue operations. The ship sailed to the region and continues to remain there to assist in the search for missing personnel. The Navy described the deployment as a humanitarian effort aimed at helping locate sailors who may still be unaccounted for.

The Indian Navy said that coordination with Sri Lankan authorities is continuing as the rescue mission progresses. Both sides are working together to search the waters and assist any survivors from the attack.

The incident has drawn significant attention because it marks one of the few instances where a torpedo has reportedly been used in combat since World War II. The Iranian frigate had been returning after participating in a naval exercise in India when the attack took place. At the time, the vessel was sailing in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

During a press briefing, Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike. He said that Iran believed its ship would remain safe in international waters but instead suffered a “quiet death”.

Iran has strongly condemned the attack and warned of consequences. Iranian officials said that IRIS Dena had been a guest of the Indian Navy during the naval exercise and criticised the United States for targeting the ship. They stated that by attacking the vessel, the US would “bitterly regret” the “precedent it has set”.

Search and rescue operations in the region are continuing as authorities try to locate any remaining survivors from the warship.