Surviving Sailor Details Horrific US Submarine Attack on Iranian Warship Dena
A sailor who survived the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena has provided a chilling firsthand account of the US submarine attack that claimed the lives of 104 crew members last month. The incident occurred in the Indian Ocean amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, sparking international outrage over alleged violations of maritime laws.
"Attack Was Completely Against International Laws"
The injured sailor, speaking to Tasnim news agency and quoted by the Iranian embassy, described the sudden assault that took place in the early hours of the morning. "It was around 3:00 to 3:30 a.m. when we were suddenly attacked—an attack that was completely against international maritime laws," he stated. "It was not a war zone, and we had received no warning. The attack was carried out without warning by a submarine."
He emphasized that the crew was caught off guard, with all personnel at their posts when the first torpedo struck. Remarkably, there were no initial casualties at that moment, but the situation quickly deteriorated.
US Intentions Were to "Kill the Crew," Says Survivor
The sailor made a grave accusation against the United States, asserting that the attack's primary objective was to eliminate the Iranian crew rather than merely disable the vessel. "If their aim had only been to damage the ship, they could have targeted other parts, but the main goal was to kill the crew," he claimed. Despite this, he praised the bravery of his fellow sailors, who remained steadfast until the end.
"Even so, we stood firm to the end. For us, the Dena was like the soil of Iran, and leaving it had no meaning," he added, highlighting the crew's dedication to their ship and country.
Desperate Struggle for Survival in the Ocean
According to the survivor, the forces stayed with the vessel until 11 p.m., after which they were forced to abandon ship and swim a considerable distance in the open ocean to reach areas near the coast of Sri Lanka. This harrowing escape underscores the dire circumstances faced by the crew in the aftermath of the attack.
Details of the Incident and Aftermath
The IRIS Dena was struck by a US submarine-launched MK-48 torpedo on March 4, approximately 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka's coast near Galle. The warship was sailing in international waters after participating in India's multinational naval exercise MILAN, adding a layer of complexity to the geopolitical context.
In the tragic incident:
- 104 crew members were killed.
- 87 bodies were recovered.
- 32 sailors were rescued, including the narrator.
This account raises serious questions about the conduct of military operations in international waters and the adherence to protocols that aim to protect non-combatant personnel during conflicts. The survivor's testimony adds a human dimension to the statistics, painting a vivid picture of courage and loss in the face of unexpected aggression.
