Three Aussies on-board US attack vessel that sank Iranian ship in international waters

Anthony Albanese has confirmed that three Australian submariners were on board a US Navy submarine that sank an Iranian ship in international waters off Sri Lanka.

“Normally we wouldn’t confirm a matter like this, but given our (National Security Council) meetings and the public interest, I can confirm that there were three Australian personnel on that ship,” he told Sky News on Friday.

“I can also confirm that no Australian personnel participated in any offensive action against Iran.

“These are third country regulations that have been in place for a long time.”

Sri Lankan officials on Wednesday said 87 people were killed and 32 were rescued after the Iranian navy frigate IRIS Dena was attacked by a US submarine.

The ship was returning to Iran after participating in joint military exercises off the east coast of India.

The trio’s presence aboard the American submarine marks the first direct intervention of Australian defense personnel in the conflict.

More to come