Indian Navy had rushed aid to Iranian warship IRIS Dena after torpedo hit

The Indian Navy responded to the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, deploying a surveillance plane immediately, and an Indian warship reached the site by 4 pm on Wednesday. A specialised survey vessel is also on its way.

A distress call was received at Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Colombo early on March 4. The Iranian ship was operating 20 nautical miles (38 km) west of Galle when it was reportedly hit by a torpedo fired from a US submarine in the search and rescue region under Sri Lankan responsibility.

The Indian Navy launched its search and rescue efforts, deploying a long-range maritime patrol aircraft at 10 am on March 4 to support Sri Lanka’s efforts. Another aircraft with air-droppable life rafts was also kept on standby.

INS Tarangini, operating nearby, was deployed to aid rescue efforts and arrived in the search area by 4 pm on March 4. The Sri Lankan Navy and other agencies were already undertaking search and rescue operations.

INS Ikshak, a survey vessel (large) with advanced hydrographic equipment, has sailed from Kochi to support the search. Coordination with Sri Lankan authorities on search and rescue efforts is ongoing.