Fire on Navy submarine; 18 personnel missing

Mumbai, August 14 – An Indian Navy submarine caught fire after an explosion and sank here late last night, with the fate of 18 personnel, including three officers, on board uncertain. The explosion resulting in a major fire took place on board INS Sindhurakshak, a Kilo class submarine of the Indian Navy, shortly after midnight.

 

"There are some people who are trapped on board, we are in the process of trying to rescue them, we suspect it to be in the range of 18," said navy spokesman PVS Satish. "We will not give up until we get to them," Satish said.

 

Among the missing are three officers, according to Navy sources. According reports, the submarine has been damaged extensively in the fire, which was brought under control with the help of 16 fire tenders at around 3am.

 

The Navy has ordered a board of inquiry into the dockyard fire. Many sailors on board the submarine reportedly jumped off to safety. Some injured sailors were taken to naval hospital INHSAshvini in Colaba.

 

The cause of the explosion and blaze is still not known. At least 16 fire tenders of Mumbai Fire Brigade and Mumbai Port Trust were rushed to assist the naval fire brigade to douse the conflagration, the smoke emanating from which could be seen in many parts of south Mumbai.

 

The blast was first heard ashore by deputy chief fire office PS Rahandale who was on leave and attending a private engagement near the Gateway of India promenade. He immediately alerted the fire brigade and other emergency services.

 

TOI