After the torpedo hit, a fire broke out on board the frigate, which soon led to a powerful explosion. According to preliminary data, of the approximately 180 sailors on board, 87 died, 32 were rescued, and the fate of the others remains unknown.
The distress signal from the IRIS Dena was recorded about 40 kilometers from the city of Galle as the ship was returning to Iran after participating in the MILAN 2026 naval exercises held in Visakhapatnam, India.
US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated at a press conference that this is the first instance of an enemy vessel being sunk using a torpedo since World War II. He also noted that the US continues to prevail in this conflict.
It is worth noting that tensions in the Middle East have been escalating for the sixth day, triggered by the military operation of Israel and the US called "Lion's Roar." President Donald Trump confirmed that operations will continue until all objectives are achieved.
