A Warship Returning from an International Event
The frigate IRIS Dena, commissioned into Iran’s navy in 2021, had recently taken part in international naval exercises hosted by India, including the multinational MILAN naval gathering.
After the event, the vessel began its journey back toward Iran. While sailing in international waters roughly 40 nautical miles south of Galle, Sri Lanka, it was targeted by a U.S. submarine.
According to U.S. defense officials, the submarine fired a Mark-48 heavyweight torpedo, a weapon designed to detonate beneath a ship’s hull and break its structure apart.
The explosion caused catastrophic damage, and the frigate sank rapidly.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
At the time of the attack, approximately 180 sailors were aboard the vessel.
