Navy submarine submerges with a blast, reasons unknown

Mumbai, Aug 14: An Indian Navy Submarine, INS Sindhurakshak, anchored at the Mumbai dockyard suddenly caught fire, followed by a huge explosion in the wee hours today. Docked at high security dockyard, officials are yet to find a reason why the explosion happened.

No casualties have been reported till now as most of the officers onboard are said to have jumped off from the submarine. However, there are a few who might have been trapped in the blazing vessel, fear officers, amidst doubts. "Though 18 navy personnel are missing, details are being ascertained," a defence ministry statement issued at 3.15 am said.

The details of the injured is not immediately available, however, sources say that the injured sailors have been rushed to the naval INHS Ashvini hospital in Colaba.

The blast was first heard by deputy chief fire office PS Rahandale, who was on leave for an engagement close to the Gateway of India. He immideately alerted the fire brigade and other emergency services.

Around 16 fire tenders of Mumbai Fire Brigade and the Mumbai Port were rushed to douse the fire and help the naval fire brigade. The team could bring the fire under control only at 3 am, curbing its spread to the other vessels docked in the vicinity. The magnificence of the blast could be imagined from the fumes emanating from it, which could be seen from various parts of Mumbai.

OneIndia News