Sri Lanka, March 4 -- Hospital sources confirmed that 32 injured sailors from the distressed Iranian naval ship "IRIS Dena" were admitted to the Karapitiya National Hospital in Galle.

The vessel, a Moudge-class frigate carrying approximately 180 crew members, reportedly began sinking outside Sri Lanka's maritime boundary.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force launched a joint humanitarian operation to evacuate the personnel following a distress call received early this morning.

While earlier reports indicated 8 admissions, the number has since risen to 32 as rescue craft reach the shore.

The ship was located roughly 40 nautical miles off the coast of Galle at the time of the emergency.

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