Inhalation of H2S causes death onboard: Navy

Port Blair, Feb 02 (UNI) The Indian Navy today stated that the reason behind five deaths onboard INS Jalshawa was due to inhalation of H2S (Hydrogen Sulphide) gas, that leaked during repair work in a compartment of the ship.

At least five sailors were killed and three seriously injured in an accident on the Navy's newly-acquired troop carrier during an exercise in the Bay of Bengal yesterday.

The vessel, formerly known as USS Trenton, was inducted into the Indian Navy last September.

An Andaman and Nicobar Command's official release, confirming the five deaths, said that the three injured were being treated by medical team within the fleet.

KVR Krishna Rao, Shipwright Artificer 3, D R Kumar Chaitanya, Shipwright Artificer-3, Ramesh Kumar Nayak, Electrician Deepak Shivran and Narendra Yadav, Electrician Mechanic Power 1 were the five victims.

Two of the injured personnel were air transported from the ship to Port Blair this morning for further medical treatment at INHS Dhanvantari.

Arrangements for further transportation of the deceased personnel have been made in conjunction with Andaman and Nicobar Command, the release added.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister A K Antony has expressed deep regret over the death of the personnel.

A board of inquiry has been constituted, the release said.

UNI SKR PP KLC1802