Mumbai: A dramatic fire broke out aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Brahmaputra while it was undergoing refit at Naval Dockyard Mumbai. The consequences have been severe, with the warship now lying heavily on its side.
The Incident:
Late on Sunday evening, flames engulfed the INS Brahmaputra, prompting a swift response from the ship’s crew and firefighters from Naval Dockyard Mumbai and neighboring vessels. Despite their valiant efforts, the fire could not be fully extinguished until Monday morning.
The Aftermath:
- Listing Dangerously: The warship, unable to regain an upright position, continued to list further alongside her berth. Presently, the INS Brahmaputra rests precariously on one side, a testament to the intensity of the blaze.
- Missing Sailor: Amidst the chaos, one junior sailor remains unaccounted for. A search operation is underway to locate the missing crew member.
- Sanitization Measures: Following the fire’s containment, thorough sanitization checks were conducted to assess any residual risk.
- Inquiry Initiated: The Indian Navy has launched an official inquiry to investigate the accident and determine its cause.
About INS Brahmaputra:
The INS Brahmaputra, commissioned in 2000, is India’s first indigenously built ‘Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate. With a displacement of 5,300 tonnes and a length of 125 meters, it boasts an array of weaponry, sensors, and capabilities for maritime operations.
The ship’s name pays homage to the famous river that flows through India’s North Eastern region. Its crest features a one-horned Indian rhinoceros, symbolizing resilience, while the war cry “Dushman ko Khatra, Jab aage Brahmaputra” embodies the ship’s indomitable spirit.
As investigations unfold, the nation awaits answers regarding this harrowing incident aboard the INS Brahmaputra.
