Indian Navy assists Sri Lanka in rescue efforts after US submarine sinks Iranian frigate IRIS Dena

New Delhi: India has joined search and rescue efforts following the sinking of Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, even as another Iranian vessel has sought shelter from the island nation, which is deliberating on how to respond to the request. The second ship, likely to be a resupply vessel that was providing support to Dena, is reported to be just off the Lankan territorial waters.

Dena was returning to Iran after attending International Fleet Review hosted by India at Vizag and taking part in Exercise Milan. Following the attack by an American submarine, a distress call was received and responded to by Sri Lanka, which has already managed to evacuate more than 30 sailors. Efforts to find more survivors are ongoing. At least 87 Iranian sailors have been killed in the attack.

“INS Tarangini which was operating in vicinity was deployed for aiding the rescue efforts and arrived in search area by 1600 hr on 04 March 26. By this time SAR had been undertaken by Sri Lankan Navy and other agencies.

INS Ikshak has also sailed from Kochi to augment the search efforts and continues to remain in the area to search for missing personnel as a humanitarian measure for ship wrecked personnel,” officials said, adding that on receipt of information from Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy launched a maritime patrol aircraft to augment the search efforts led by Sri Lanka. An Indian Navy aircraft with air deployable life rafts has been kept on standby.

The matter was discussed in the Lankan parliament as well.