The Indian Navy’s multirole frigate INS Brahmaputra has suffered severe damage following a fire that broke out while the vessel was undergoing maintenance at the Mumbai naval dockyard. The blaze, which erupted on Sunday evening, caused the ship to list heavily to one side and remain in that position.
The Indian Navy confirmed that the fire was eventually brought under control with the help of the ship’s crew, naval firefighters, and other ships in the harbor by early Monday morning. Despite their efforts, the ship could not be returned to an upright position and continues to rest on its side alongside the dock.
One junior sailor remains missing as rescue operations continue. The Navy reported that all other personnel onboard have been accounted for. An official inquiry has been initiated to investigate the cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the vessel’s current state.
The INS Brahmaputra is the lead ship of the indigenously built Brahmaputra class of guided missile frigates. Commissioned in April 2000, the ship is equipped with a comprehensive suite of weaponry and sensors, including medium and close-range guns, anti-aircraft and surface-to-surface missiles, and torpedo launchers. It can operate Seaking and Chetak helicopters and has a displacement of 5,300 tonnes.
Sources By Agencies
