After an explosion resulting in a major fire on board Indian Navy’s Kilo class submarine INS Sindhurakshak shortly after midnight on 14 August 2013, fire tenders from the Naval Dockyard as well as the Mumbai Fire Brigade were immediately pressed into action.
However, due to as-yet-unknown damage suffered as a result of the explosion, the submarine has submerged at her berth with only a portion visible above the surface, the Indian Navy said in a release.
About 18 persons were on board the submarine at the time of the accident and efforts are under way to ascertain the safety of the personnel and salvage of the submarine.
The explosion, which was accompanied by two simultaneous blasts is said to have occurred in the torpedo compartment, therefore 18 personnel on board are feared to be dead.
A Board of Inquiry is being instituted to investigate into the causes of the accident, the Navy added.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, August 15, 2013; Image: flot