Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh. (Photo: X/@IndianNavy)
Mumbai: The body of Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who went missing after the fire onboard the guided-missile frigate INS Brahmaputra at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, was recovered after intensive diving operations. The Indian Navy warship, a frontline frigate, had suffered severe damage and tilted heavily to one side after the fire broke out on Sunday night.
Singh was among the crew involved in the repairs of the ship when the incident occurred. While most of the crew managed to escape, Singh went missing after the fire. According to some media reports quoting a Navy officer who didn’t want to be named, most of the men escaped the burning warship by using the gangway while some others jumped into the water and swam back to safety. However, Singh drowned in his attempt to escape.
In a statement, the Navy said the loss of Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh caused deep sorrow for the entire service. He was a dedicated and courageous sailor who laid down his life in the line of duty. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and his memory will forever be cherished. The Navy further said the force stands resolutely with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
Adm Dinesh K Tripathi #CNS & all personnel of #IndianNavy mourn the loss of life & pay tribute to Sitendra Singh, Ag LS (UW) who lost his life in the unfortunate incident onboard INS Brahmaputra at Mumbai and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/83TH2SZtVN
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 24, 2024
The Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. “The entire Navy stands shoulder to shoulder with the family in this hour of grief,” he said. The admiral also commended the courage and professionalism displayed by the rescue teams involved in the operation.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, and the Navy has initiated steps to ensure the safety of its personnel and ships. The warship, once a formidable asset, will undergo extensive repairs to restore it to operational readiness.
