Over 80 Bodies Recovered from Iranian Warship After US Torpedo Attack Near Sri Lanka

Over 80 bodies have been recovered from an Iranian naval warship following a US torpedo attack in the sea near Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Navy and Air Force launched a rescue operation on Tuesday after receiving a distress call from the southern city of Galle.

Officials stated that rescue teams found 32 sailors alive while searching the maritime area approximately 40 kilometers away.

Searchers continued to look for other survivors in the sea, but the warship or its wreckage was not clearly visible.

Initial reports suggesting an attack by a torpedo or submarine could not be immediately confirmed. Later, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that a US submarine in international waters had attacked the Iranian warship by firing a torpedo.

The Iranian vessels, including the 'Dena', were returning after participating in the International Fleet Review 2026 held in Visakhapatnam, India. Fifty-four countries participated in the multinational naval gathering.

The more than 80 bodies recovered from the sea have been taken to a hospital in Galle. Surrounding health facilities have reportedly been cleared to accommodate the deceased.