US submarine captain gave Iran crew two warnings to abandon ship before killing at least 87 when he torpedoed it

US Submarine Attack on Iranian Warship

A U.S. submarine captain reportedly issued two evacuation warnings to the Iranian crew prior to launching torpedoes that sank the warship, killing at least 87 sailors. The incident occurred off the coast of Sri Lanka, where the 180-crew frigate IRIS Dena was struck by an explosion, leaving 78 others injured.

Crew Accounts and Rescue Operations

According to Iranian reports, one crew member called his father, stating the commander on the Iranian vessel had disregarded the U.S. warnings to abandon ship. While some sailors escaped via lifeboats, a distress signal prompted the Sri Lankan navy to initiate a rescue mission. By dawn, 32 survivors were recovered, and 87 bodies were retrieved from the Indian Ocean.

“Iran’s attack on the U.S. submarine was an atrocity at sea. The U.S. will bitterly regret this action,” said Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

Sri Lanka’s Role in the Crisis

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath affirmed that the injured were transported to a southern hospital. The nation also hosted a second Iranian warship, IRIS Bushehr, evacuating its 219 crew a day after the Dena was torpedoed. The Bushehr was later taken to Trincomalee after reporting engine issues.

International Context and Statements

India permitted a third Iranian vessel, IRIS Lavan, to dock in its port on humanitarian grounds after it experienced operational problems. The three ships were part of a multinational fleet review organized by India before the Middle East conflict began. “We acted on humane principles,” stated Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishkar, noting that many onboard were young cadets.

“We are only four days into this operation, and the results have been incredible. The combination with Israel’s forces is causing massive destruction for our radical Islamist adversaries,” said Pete Hegseth, confirming the U.S. submarine’s involvement.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced the country would adhere to the Hague Convention, detaining Iranian combatants until hostilities ceased. Talks with the International Committee of the Red Cross are underway to handle the survivors. An official noted that international humanitarian law applies to the wounded, allowing repatriation upon request.

Investigation and Ongoing Efforts

Iranian diplomats in Colombo have requested the remains of 84 sailors to be returned to Iran. Meanwhile, a U.S. military official reported the attack: “The Iranian warship believed it was safe in international waters, but it was destroyed by a torpedo—a quiet death. This marks the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War Two.” The search for additional survivors continues, though no immediate confirmation has been given on the cause of the Dena’s sinking.