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More than 100 people are missing and several bodies have been recovered after a submarine attack on an Iranian ship off Sri Lanka’s coast, according to reports.
At least 101 people were missing and 78 wounded following the incident just outside the island’s territorial waters on Wednesday, sources in Sri Lanka’s navy and defence ministry told Reuters.
A spokesperson for the country’s navy disputed the figures but confirmed that 32 injured people are receiving treatment in hopsital after being rescued by the navy. They said the navy has recovered several bodies, suspected to be crew members, and is working to get them confirmed.
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An ambulance enters Sri Lanka’s southern naval headquarters in Galle on Wednesday (AFP/Getty)
Sri Lanka’s foreign minister told parliament that the country’s military saved 32 “critically wounded” sailors on board the sunk Iranian frigate Iris Dena. Vijitha Herath said Sri Lanka’s navy received information that the ship with 180 on board was in distress, and that the island nation sent ships and air force planes on a rescue mission.
Dr Anil Jasinghe, a health ministry official, also confirmed that 32 people have been rescued from the sinking Iranian naval ship and have been admitted to a hospital. However, he said that one of them is in critical condition, seven are receiving emergency treatment, and others are being treated for minor injuries.
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The Iranian frigate Iris Dena pictured previously (Iranian Army office)
There were no immediate details as to how the sailors were wounded or how the ship was damaged.
According to local media, the ship reported distress off the coast of Galle in the southern part of the country, and the injured have been admitted to a hospital in Galle.
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Security personnel stand guard in front of the National Hospital Galle on Wednesday (REUTERS)
Pictures show security personnel standing guard in front of the National Hospital Galle, while ambulances drive into Sri Lanka’s southern naval headquarters in the city.
More follows…