US Submarine Strike Sinks Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean, Over 140 Feared Missing!
Reported by Marian opeyemi fasesan Editor -in- chief | Sele Media Africa.
More than 140 people have been reported missing after a United States submarine sank an Iranian naval warship in the Indian Ocean near the coast of Sri Lanka, according to multiple international media reports and official statements.
The vessel, identified as the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena, reportedly went down after being struck by torpedoes launched from a U.S. submarine in international waters. The incident occurred off the southern coast of Sri Lanka and triggered an immediate multinational search and rescue operation.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that an American submarine carried out the strike, describing the attack as a significant military action amid escalating tensions between United States and Iran.
Sri Lankan authorities reported that approximately 180 personnel were believed to be on board at the time of the incident. Rescue teams recovered several survivors, with at least 30 sailors pulled from the water and taken to medical facilities in the southern city of Galle. However, more than 100 — and possibly as many as 140 — crew members remain unaccounted for as search efforts continue.
Initial reports indicated the warship issued a distress signal shortly before sinking, prompting a coordinated response from Sri Lanka’s navy and air force. Officials said an oil slick and debris were found at the site, but the vessel itself was no longer visible when rescue teams arrived.
While U.S. officials have acknowledged responsibility for the strike, some regional authorities initially described the cause of the sinking as a suspected submarine attack pending investigation. The incident marks one of the most significant naval escalations in recent years and has heightened concerns about the risk of broader conflict in the region.
The IRIS Dena, a domestically built Iranian frigate commissioned in 2021, had reportedly recently participated in multinational naval activities before the incident occurred.
Rescue operations remain ongoing in the Indian Ocean as authorities work to account for missing crew members and determine the full circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Sources: Reuters, ITV News, The Guardian, The Straits Times, Anadolu Agency, The Indian Express.
Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.
About The Author
Share this:
Discover more from Sele Media Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
