US submarine sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka; 87 bodies recovered
Mar 4th 2026
Sri Lanka’s navy recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 after the IRIS Dena was struck by a torpedo in international waters, a rare submarine sinking that U.S. officials said reflects broader military action against Iran.
- A U.S. submarine fired a torpedo that sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, U.S. officials said.
- Sri Lanka recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people after receiving a distress signal from the ship.
- Video released by the U.S. Department of Defense shows an underwater explosion and the vessel breaking apart.
- Iran described the ship as one of its newest warships armed with missiles, guns, torpedoes and a helicopter.