101 missing, 78 injured after submarine attack on Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka Coast

A major maritime emergency unfolded off the southern coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday after a reported submarine attack on an Iranian naval vessel left scores missing and injured.

Sources in Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry told Reuters that at least 101 people were missing and 78 wounded following the strike.

The vessel, identified as the IRIS Dena (hull number 75), is a Moudge-class guided-missile frigate operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy.

According to Al Jazeera, quoting Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, around 30 sailors were rescued from the frigate before it sank just outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. 

One of the rescued personnel is in critical condition, while 32 survivors have been admitted to a hospital in Galle.

Sri Lanka’s navy and air force confirmed they have deployed ships and aircraft to assist with the ongoing rescue operation.