Mysterious Overturning of INS Brahmaputra

The Indian Navy's INS Brahmaputra warship, docked at Mumbai Dockyard for refitting, overturned under mysterious circumstances after a fire broke out, leading to significant damage and one sailor reported missing. This incident, adding to a series of naval mishaps, highlights the urgent need for robust safety protocols and comprehensive investigations.

About INS Brahmaputra

1. Commissioned: The INS Brahmaputra was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2000.

2. Built by: The ship was built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers in Kolkata.

3. Length and Weight: The INS Brahmaputra is approximately 125 meters long and weighs about 4,000 tons.

4. Capabilities: The ship is equipped with a range of weapons, including surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, medium-range guns, anti-submarine rockets, radars, sonars, and electronic warfare systems.

5. Helicopter Deployment: The ship has the capability to deploy a helicopter.

6. Previous Missions: The INS Brahmaputra has been involved in numerous long-distance missions and rescue operations, including Operation Sukoon in 2006, which evacuated Indian nationals from Lebanon during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Incident Details

1. Fire Breakout: A fire broke out on the INS Brahmaputra on Sunday evening while it was undergoing refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

2. Fire Control: The fire was brought under control by Monday morning with the assistance of firefighters stationed at the dockyard and other warships present at the port.

3. Damage Assessment: The damage assessment revealed substantial harm caused by the fire.

4. Overturning: The situation worsened on Monday afternoon when the Brahmaputra suddenly overturned towards the port.

5. Search for Missing Sailor: Despite concerted efforts, the warship could not be righted, and one sailor remains unaccounted for, with the search for the missing personnel continuing.

Investigation Ordered

1. Cause of Fire: The Indian Navy has ordered an investigation into the latest incident involving INS Brahmaputra to uncover the cause of the fire and the subsequent capsizing of the warship.

2. Salvage Unlikely: Given the extent of the damage, it appears unlikely that the vessel can be salvaged.

Previous Incidents

1. INS Betwa: In 2016, a similar incident occurred when INS Betwa, another frigate of the same class, capsized while undocking at the same naval dockyard, resulting in the tragic loss of two sailors and injuries to 14 others.

2. INS Vindhyagiri: In 2011, the frigate INS Vindhyagiri sank after a collision with a merchant vessel, MV Nordlake, while entering the Mumbai dockyard.

3. INS Viraat: In 2013, a fire broke out on India’s only aircraft carrier at the time, INS Viraat, off the coast of Mumbai.

4. INS Airavat: In 2014, the tank-landing ship INS Airavat ran aground in Visakhapatnam, causing severe damage to its propellers.

5. INS Sindhuratna: In 2014, a fire onboard the Russian-made submarine INS Sindhuratna led to the resignation of the then-Indian Navy chief, Admiral DK Joshi, who took moral responsibility for the string of accidents under his command.

6. INS Sindhurakshak: In 2014, another Russian-made submarine, INS Sindhurakshak, exploded and sank while docked in Mumbai, resulting in the loss of 18 crew members.

7. INS Arihant: In 2017, India’s first indigenously developed nuclear-powered ballistic submarine, INS Arihant, was rendered inoperative after an aft hatch was left open, causing seawater to flood the propulsion area.

8. INS Chakra: In 2017, the INS Chakra, a nuclear submarine leased from Russia, suffered damage to its sonar domes while entering the Visakhapatnam harbour.

Conclusion

The overturning of INS Brahmaputra adds to a troubling list of naval accidents that have plagued the Indian Navy in recent years. The incident calls for immediate and comprehensive investigations to identify and address the root causes. Strengthening safety protocols and ensuring rigorous adherence to operational procedures will be vital in safeguarding the lives of sailors and the integrity of India’s naval fleet. As the search continues for the missing sailor and the investigation progresses, the Indian Navy must take decisive steps to enhance its safety culture and operational resilience.

 

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi

UPSC Prelims Result 2024 Out: Expected Cut Off & Other Details, UPSC Prelims 2024 Answer with Explanation, Daily Prelims Quiz, Daily Current Affairs, MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS TOTAL (CAT) MAGAZINE, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Karol Bagh, Best IAS Coaching Institute in Delhi, Daily Mains Question Answer Practice, ENSURE IAS UPSC Toppers, UPSC Toppers Marksheet, Previous Year Interview Questions, UPSC Syllabus