New Delhi: In a significant update regarding the guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has confirmed that the ship has been successfully returned to an upright position. This announcement comes nearly five months after the vessel experienced a fire incident while undergoing routine refits at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, which led to its tilting.
During the unfortunate event, the ship’s crew faced a tragic loss as Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh was reported missing. Following an extensive diving operation carried out by the Navy, he was eventually declared dead. This incident not only highlights the dangers associated with naval operations but also underscores the harrowing reality faced by the families of those who serve.
To address the damage incurred by the fire and to facilitate the recovery efforts, the Navy enlisted the assistance of a team of international experts, including a specialized firm from Singapore. Their expertise has been crucial in assessing the extent of the damage and planning the necessary salvaging operations.
At the recent annual Navy Day press conference in New Delhi, Admiral Tripathi expressed relief at the progress made, stating, “We had an unfortunate incident onboard INS Brahmaputra which led to its tilting. I am happy to report that the ship has been righted and is presently in a dry dock in Mumbai for assessing the extent of damage, and thereafter we will decide as to what is to be done with the ship and to what level you want to take it.” He emphasized that a board of inquiry is currently underway to investigate the fire and subsequent capsizing, which will ultimately determine the cause of this alarming incident.
The fire was initially detected by the ship’s duty staff during routine maintenance work and was brought under control with the combined efforts of the crew and dockyard firefighters. However, the situation escalated, leading to the ship tilting and resting precariously on one side.
As the Navy works to evaluate the damage and plan the next steps, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks faced by maritime forces and the importance of safety protocols during naval operations.
