Indian Ocean Crisis: US Torpedo Sinks IRIS Dena as Two Iranian Ships Seek Regional Refuge

Three Iranian naval vessels operating in the Indian Ocean became central to a rapidly escalating geopolitical crisis in early March, drawing the attention of regional powers and global observers. The ships — IRIS Dena, IRIS Lavan, and IRIS Bushehr — were involved in separate incidents within days of each other across waters near India and Sri Lanka. The developments unfolded against the backdrop of rising tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with regional governments compelled to respond to maritime emergencies under international conventions.

The most dramatic episode occurred on March 4 when the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was struck by a torpedo reportedly fired by a United States submarine in international waters about 40 nautical miles off the southern coast of Galle. The attack caused the vessel to sink, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation in nearby waters. Sri Lankan authorities later reported that dozens of bodies were recovered while several sailors were rescued alive, though many others were initially listed as missing following the incident.

Speaking to reporters in Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the strike on the Iranian warship. He described the attack as a “quiet death” and stated that an American submarine had sunk the vessel after it was detected in international waters. According to US officials, the incident marked the first time since World War II that the United States had destroyed an enemy ship using a torpedo. Survivors from the attack were transported to Galle, where they received medical treatment and assistance.

Also Read: Iranian Frigate IRIS Dena Sends Distress Signal; 30 Injured Sailors Brought Ashore In Sri Lanka

While the sinking of the Dena unfolded near Sri Lanka, another Iranian vessel had already sought help from India. The warship IRIS Lavan reported a technical malfunction while operating in the region and requested emergency docking permission. The government of India approved the request on March 1, allowing the vessel to dock at Kochi Port. The ship later arrived on March 4, the same day the Dena was sunk, and remained anchored while engineers assessed the reported mechanical fault.

Indian authorities said the vessel had earlier been participating in a multinational naval gathering known as the International Fleet Review before encountering technical issues. Iran subsequently contacted Indian officials seeking permission to dock for repairs and logistical support. At least 183 sailors were reported to be on board the ship, which continues to remain in Kochi as inspections and maintenance work are carried out by technical teams.

A third vessel, IRIS Bushehr, also became part of the unfolding situation after reporting engine trouble while positioned near Sri Lankan waters. Sri Lanka allowed the ship to dock amid rising regional tensions following the Dena incident. Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said that more than 200 sailors were transferred to the Welisara Naval Base for health checks and border control procedures. Officials said the crew members were found to be in stable condition, while a small group remained on board with Sri Lankan naval personnel as authorities prepared to move the vessel to the eastern port of Trincomalee.

Also Read: Misri Meets Iran Envoy: India Offers Condolences as US-Iran Maritime Crisis Deepens