Operation Epic Fury was launched on Saturday by the US and Israel.

09:41, Wed, Mar 4, 2026 Updated: 09:52, Wed, Mar 4, 2026

U.S. Military Launches Operation Epic Fury Attacking Iran

An Iranian vessel was reportedly sunk (Image: Getty)

At least 101 people ⁠are missing and 78 are wounded after a ⁠submarine attack on ⁠an Iranian ship off Sri Lanka's coast, it has been claimed. Sri Lanka rescued 30 sailors on the Iris Dena frigate as it sunk off the island's territorial waters, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

He said the injured were taken to a hospital in the south, which has been put on alert to receive them. The Iris Dena, which has a crew of 180, issued a distress call at dawn. Two Sri Lankan navy vessels and an aircraft were deployed for the rescue mission, Mr Herath confirmed.

SRI LANKA-IRAN-FRIGATE

The main hospital in Galle has been put on alert. (Image: Getty)

It is unclear what caused the ship to sink or whether it was attacked as part of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath told AFP: "We responded to the distress call under our international obligations, as this is within our Search and Rescue Area in the Indian Ocean."