By Cecelia Odey
No fewer than 100 people were feared dead after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena reportedly sustained suspected submarine attack off the coast of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan navy sources disclosed this on Wednesday morning.
Local media reported that around 180 personnel were on board the vessel at the time of the incident.
The Sri Lanka Navy launched rescue operations immediately after receiving a distress call indicating that the frigate was sinking.
Thirty-five people were rescued and transported to Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in the southern city of Galle for treatment.
According to reports citing Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, the incident occurred outside Sri Lanka’s territorial waters.
There was no immediate official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the cause of the attack or the number of casualties. (Xinhua/NAN)