Survivors of Iran's "Dena" Frigate Depart from Sri Lanka to Return Home
Xinhua News Agency, Colombo, April 14 (Reporter Wu Ziyu) According to local media reports from Sri Lanka on the 14th, the survivors of the Iranian Navy frigate "Dena," which had been stationed in Sri Lanka, have set off to return to Iran on the same day.
It was reported that the Deputy Minister of Defense of Sri Lanka, Aruna Jayasekera, stated that the 32 survivors from the "Dena" departed for Iran on a chartered flight on the evening of the 14th. Another 208 crew members from the Iranian Navy logistics support ship "Bushehr" also returned on the same flight.
The "Dena" was sunk by a U.S. submarine using a torpedo in waters south of Sri Lanka on March 4. The Sri Lankan Navy recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 survivors in nearby waters. On March 6, the Sri Lankan military transferred the crew of the "Bushehr," which had requested to enter port due to engine failure, to Colombo port.
Survivors from the Iranian Navy frigate 'Dena' returned to Iran on April 14 after being rescued in Sri Lanka. The 32 survivors, along with 208 crew members from the Iranian logistics support ship 'Bushehr', were flown back to Iran following the sinking of 'Dena' by a U.S. submarine on March 4. The Sri Lankan military had previously recovered 87 bodies from the incident.
- The Iranian Navy frigate 'Dena' was sunk by a U.S. submarine on March 4.
- 32 survivors were rescued and relocated to Sri Lanka.
- 208 crew members from the Iranian logistics support ship 'Bushehr' returned with the survivors.
- The Sri Lankan military assisted in the recovery of bodies and survivors.
- The survivors departed Sri Lanka for Iran on April 14.