INS Brahmaputra seen tilting heavily towards the port side after catching fire. (Viral photo via X)
Mumbai: A major fire broke out on board the Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra (F-31), on Sunday evening, resulting in severe damage to the vessel. Following the incident, the multi-role frigate, undergoing refit at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, has tilted heavily on its port side.
The Navy confirmed that all personnel on board have been accounted for, with the exception of one junior sailor who remains missing. Search and rescue operations are underway to locate the sailor.
The fire was brought under control by the ship’s crew with assistance from firefighters at the naval dockyard and other nearby vessels. However, despite efforts to rectify the ship’s tilt, the Brahmaputra eventually came to rest on its side.
WHAT COULD HAVE GONE WRONG IN THE CASE OF INS BRAHMAPUTRA?
— Ashok Bijalwan अशोक बिजल्वाण ?? (@AshTheWiz) July 22, 2024
(A FIRE FIGHTING AND DAMAGE CONTROL SPECIALIST’S PERSPECTIVE)
The Indian Navy has ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate the cause of INS Brahmaputra capsizing in harbour. It will be an arduous effort and will take… pic.twitter.com/yN2xk7gVrk
The incident has prompted a full-scale investigation into the cause of the fire and the subsequent damage to the warship. The Brahmaputra, a formidable vessel and a frontline warship with a reputation for its capabilities, is a significant loss to the Indian Navy.
The Navy has assured the public that the situation is under control and that all necessary steps are being taken to mitigate the consequences of the incident.
This incident brought back the memories of the 2016 INS Betwa accident, in which the warship capsized on her port side due to a loss of stability while undocking at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard where it underwent a refit. Two people were killed and 14 were injured in the accident. INS Betwa belonged to the same class as INS Brahmaputra.
Later, the warship was salvaged, repaired, and rejoined the service.
