Although the Iranians say the ill-fated IRIS Dena was a “guest of the Indian Navy”, reliable sources confirmed to HT that the ship did not seek any assistance after the declaration of war on February 28.
IRIS Dena participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) in Vizag from 16 to 25 February, followed by the US-Israeli attack on Iran on 28 February.
This means that the ship was outside Indian territory and in international waters after its departure on Friday, February 25.
Read also | Iran says the United States struck its ship Iris Dina, “Guest of the Indian Navy,” without warning
According to sources, the ship and its crew were only Indian guests from February 16 to 25. Moreover, the ship did not seek any help from India after that.
The IRIS Dena was struck in international waters by the Virginia class SSN ship on Wednesday, March 4. The sinking, which Sri Lankan authorities say, killed at least 87 sailors while 32 survivors were rescued and taken to hospital in Galle.
As rescue operations continue for dozens still missing, the incident has intensified hostilities across the Middle East, with Iran launching new attacks on Israeli and US bases, while Israel says it has begun a “large-scale” wave of strikes targeting Tehran.
