Why is it in the news?
A US submarine torpedoed and sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean.
The incident brings the US–Israel–Iran conflict closer to the Indian Ocean Region.
Category: IR / Defence
Important Points:
● The Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk about 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s southern coast near Galle.
● It was returning from the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 held in Visakhapatnam.
● Sri Lanka deployed naval vessels to rescue sailors following the incident.
● Rescue operations were conducted under the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979.
● SAR Convention ensures assistance to persons in distress at sea irrespective of nationality.
● India ratified the SAR Convention in 2001.
● In India, the Indian Coast Guard coordinates rescue operations in the Indian Search and Rescue Region.
● Director General of Indian Coast Guard serves as National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority.