COLOMBO: The US Department of Defense has released footage showing the US Navy striking and sinking the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dina near Indian waters. The vessel a Moudge class frigate was returning to Iran after participating in the Milan 2026 International Fleet Review in Vishakapatnam India.
Sri Lankan authorities reported that around 140 of the ship’s 180 crew members remain missing as a large-scale rescue operation continues in the Indian Ocean. Thirty sailors have been rescued so far, some suffering from serious injuries including burns, fractures, and deep cuts.
The 95-metre 1,500 ton warship was part of Iran’s 86th naval fleet and was equipped with Noor and Qader anti ship missiles a 76 mm Fajr 27 naval gun and a 30 mm weapons system. Since 2022 it had reportedly completed nearly 65,000 kilometres of global operations.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister W. J. Herath told parliament that the ship sent a distress signal early Wednesday, prompting immediate rescue efforts. The cause of the sinking has not been independently verified. India’s Eastern Naval Command confirmed the vessel had been participating in joint exercises in the region.
