By: Staff Writer
May 04, Colombo (LNW): New testimony from survivors of the Iranian naval frigate Dena is raising serious allegations that a U.S. Navy attack in early March was not a normal wartime strike, but a planned operation intended to cause maximum casualties.
The account comes from Commander Abuzar Zarri, captain of the ship, and the first officer, who appeared in an Iranian television broadcast on April 21. Zarri, who had earlier been reported dead, appeared injured and using a crutch. Their statements are the first direct accounts from survivors of the incident.
Zarri said the Dena had recently taken part in the MILAN 2026 naval exercise in India alongside several countries, including the United States and Russia. He confirmed that the ship had been disarmed as part of the exercise rules and was not carrying missiles or torpedoes, making it unable to defend itself.
According to Zarri, the first torpedo struck at 3:35 a.m. on March 4, damaging the ship’s propulsion system and leaving it unable to move. He said there were no immediate deaths from this strike. The crew then spent about 90 minutes trying emergency procedures while gathering on the rear part of the ship to prepare for evacuation.
At 5:06 a.m., a second torpedo struck the same area where the crew had assembled. Zarri said this attack killed 104 sailors. He described the timing and location of the strike as deliberate.
The second strike has become the focus of strong criticism. Some experts and officials argue that attacking a disabled ship whose crew was preparing to evacuate may violate international rules of naval warfare.
The attack reportedly took place just before the Dena was expected to enter Sri Lankan waters, where it hoped to find safety.
Attention has now shifted to India and Sri Lanka, which were previously asked by Iran to provide safe harbor for the ship and its escort vessels. Sri Lanka confirmed receiving the request, while India later approved docking for the group but only allowed one vessel to enter port.
No clear explanation has been given for why the Dena was not allowed immediate access to safety.
Critics argue that delays left the ship exposed in international waters when it could have reached safety within hours if permission had been granted earlier.
Former Sri Lankan naval officials have said quicker action could have saved lives. Iranian officials have also accused some regional governments of failing to act neutrally during the conflict.
After the sinking, diplomatic tensions increased further. Reports suggest that external political pressure influenced decisions regarding port access and later handling of survivors. The United States has been accused of opposing the return of survivors, though these claims remain politically disputed.
The central question remains whether the sinking of the Dena was a lawful military strike or a deliberate attack on a disabled ship and its crew.