An Iranian warship that sank off the southern coast of Sri Lanka was attacked by a submarine early this morning, Reuters news agency reported.
At least 101 people are missing and 78 others have been injured in the attack, the news agency said, citing sources in the Sri Lankan Navy and the Ministry of Defense.
The Iranian Navy ship ‘IRIS Dena’ was sailing about 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka when it sank. The Sri Lankan Navy responded to a distress call from the ship.
32 Iranian sailors who were rescued from the ship have been admitted to the Galle Karapitiya Hospital, and one of them is in critical condition, hospital sources say.
The Sri Lanka Navy is continuing its search for those who fell into the sea at the time of the accident. A Sri Lankan Air Force aircraft is also assisting in the search.
However, Sri Lankan authorities have not yet issued an official statement confirming reports of a submarine attack or the number of missing. Although the accident occurred outside Sri Lankan waters, Sri Lanka will contribute to the rescue operations, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said in Parliament today.