WANA (Mar 15) – The Iranian Army announced that the bodies of 84 identified crew members from the warship IRIS Dena have returned to the country today.

 

According to officials, a total of 104 personnel aboard the vessel lost their lives in the incident, which resulted from a U.S. attack. Despite search efforts, including operations by divers from Sri Lanka, 20 crew members remain missing. The incident also left 32 members of the Iranian Navy injured.

 

The Dena had been participating in an international naval exercise, MILAN 2026 naval exercise, at the invitation of India as part of a training mission prior to the outbreak of hostilities. The vessel was targeted roughly 2,000 miles away from Iran’s territorial waters.

 

Authorities added that details about a public funeral ceremony for the victims will be announced in the coming days.

Dena battleship is seen during the welcome ceremony of the army fleet members in Bandar Abbas, Iran, May 21, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)