(File photo for representation.)
Mumbai: An Indian Navy submarine collided with a fishing vessel named Marthoma in the Arabian Sea on Thursday night, approximately 70 nautical miles (around 130 kilometres) northwest of Goa. The incident occurred around 9pm.
The Navy along with the Indian Coast guard has launched an intensive search-and-rescue operation deploying both surface vessels and air assets after casualties among the fishing crew. The Navy has mobilized six ships and aircraft for the search operation, which is being coordinated with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai.
The Marthoma, which was carrying a total of 13 crew members, capsized following the collision. According to latest reports, 11 crew members have been rescued, while efforts continue to locate the remaining two fishermen who are currently missing.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the incident and said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this accident. Initial assessments suggest that the submarine may have been operating on or near the surface at the time of the collision, which is unusual as submarines typically navigate at greater depths for stealth purposes.
According to some reports, the submarine involved in the collision is a Kalvari-class submarine, which is based on the design of the French Scorpene-class submarines. They are equipped with advanced sonar systems designed to detect nearby vessels, raising questions about how this collision occurred.
This incident marks a serious concern regarding maritime safety and operational protocols for both naval and civilian vessels. The Navy has emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety at sea and preventing such occurrences in the future.
Historical data indicates that collisions between submarines and surface vessels can occur due to various factors, including human error, inadequate sonar sweeps, or communication lapses.
As search operations continue, families of the missing fishermen are anxiously awaiting updates. Further details regarding the incident’s circumstances and any potential repercussions for naval operations are expected as investigations proceed.
