The Indian Navy launched Search and Rescue (SAR) operations following a distress call from the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was reported operating 20 nautical miles west of Galle in Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue region.
According to official information, the distress signal was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo in the early hours of March 4, 2026, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Immediate Deployment of Aircraft and Naval Assets
Upon receiving the alert, the Indian Navy quickly initiated support measures to assist ongoing rescue efforts led by Sri Lanka.
A long-range maritime patrol aircraft was deployed at 1000 hours on March 4 to support search operations. Another aircraft equipped with air-droppable life rafts was placed on standby for immediate deployment if required.
Naval Ships Join Rescue Mission
The sail training vessel INS Tarangini, which was operating nearby, was diverted to assist in the rescue mission and reached the search area by 1600 hours on March 4.
By the time the ship arrived, search and rescue operations had already been initiated by the Sri Lanka Navy and other responding agencies.
In addition, the Indian Navy deployed INS Ikshak from Kochi, which has since reached the area and continues to participate in the search operation for missing personnel.
Humanitarian Assistance and Coordination
The Indian Navy stated that the operation is being conducted as a humanitarian measure to assist shipwrecked personnel.
Coordination between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities continues as search operations remain underway in the region to locate any missing survivors.
