Reliable authorities have confirmed to The Standard that the tragic sinking of the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena on March 4 occurred in international waters south of Sri Lanka, clarifying that Maldivian authorities were not involved in the rescue response as the incident took place far outside the Maldives’ maritime jurisdiction.
The Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy was returning from India after participating in and the held in when the incident occurred.
According to defence sector sources who spoke to The Standard, the vessel suffered a massive explosion after being struck by a torpedo while on its return journey, causing the warship to submerge rapidly.
Distress signal sent from waters south of Sri Lanka
Authorities confirmed to The Standard that the ship transmitted its final distress signal at approximately 5:08 a.m. Sri Lanka Standard Time.
The distress call originated around 40 nautical miles south of , placing the emergency firmly within international waters under the Sri Lankan Search and Rescue region.
Officials emphasized that the incident occurred hundreds of miles away from the Maldives’ maritime boundaries, dismissing claims circulating online that the sinking occurred near Maldivian waters.
Maldives received no SOS signal
Authorities further confirmed to The Standard that no distress signal or SOS communication was transmitted to or received by Maldivian authorities.
The distress signal was received and handled by Sri Lankan rescue coordination centres, which immediately initiated search and rescue procedures.
Sri Lanka led rescue efforts
Following the distress signal, the and launched a rescue operation, deploying ships and aircraft to the area.
Rescue teams managed to save 32 survivors, while authorities confirmed the recovery of 87 bodies from the surrounding waters. Several crew members remain missing.
Clarification amid online claims
Authorities told The Standard that some reports circulating online incorrectly suggested the Maldives failed to respond to the incident.
However, officials stressed that the maritime emergency occurred within Sri Lanka’s designated search and rescue zone and was therefore handled by Sri Lankan authorities as the nearest coastal state responsible for the operation.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel are ongoing as regional authorities continue to assess the events leading to the tragedy.
