A fire erupted on the INS Brahmaputra, an Indian Navy warship, while it was undergoing maintenance at the naval dockyard in Mumbai, officials reported on Monday. The navy confirmed that a junior sailor is currently missing, and rescue teams are actively searching for him.
The incident occurred while the multi-role frigate was undergoing a refit at the Naval Dockyard. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The ship’s crew quickly sprang into action to control the blaze, receiving assistance from firefighters stationed at the Naval Dockyard and from other ships in the harbor. The coordinated effort was successful in bringing the fire under control, preventing further damage to the vessel.
Once the immediate danger was mitigated, follow-up actions were promptly carried out. This included thorough sanitisation checks to ensure there were no remaining fire hazards or risks of reignition. The situation is being closely monitored, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
INS Brahmaputra Catches Fire
An Indian Navy warship undergoing maintenance at the Mumbai naval dockyard caught fire today. According to the navy, a junior sailor is missing, and rescue teams are actively searching for him. All other personnel have been accounted for.
The fire broke out on the multirole frigate INS Brahmaputra on Sunday evening while it was undergoing a refit. The ship is now lying on its side, the navy reported.
“The ship’s crew, along with firefighters from Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and other ships in the harbor, managed to bring the fire under control by Monday morning,” the navy said in a statement. “Subsequent actions, including sanitization checks to assess any remaining fire risk, were carried out.”
However, later in the afternoon, the ship started listing to one side. “Despite all efforts to stabilize the ship, it continued to list further and is now resting on one side,” the navy added.
“All personnel, except for one junior sailor, have been accounted for. Search operations for the missing sailor are ongoing,” the navy stated. “An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the cause of the incident.”
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About INS Brahmaputra
The INS Brahmaputra, the first ship of its class designed and built in India, joined the Indian Navy in April 2000. It is operated by a crew of 40 officers and 330 sailors.
Equipped with various weapon systems, including medium and close-range guns, anti-aircraft guns, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, and torpedo launchers, the INS Brahmaputra is well-prepared for maritime defense. The ship also features advanced sensors for comprehensive naval operations and can deploy Seaking and Chetak helicopters.
With a displacement of 5,300 tonnes, a length of 125 meters, and a beam of 14.4 meters, the INS Brahmaputra can achieve speeds over 27 knots.
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INS Brahmaputra Catches Fire FAQs
Q.1. What caused the fire on the INS Brahmaputra?
Ans. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. The incident occurred while the ship was undergoing maintenance at the naval dockyard in Mumbai.
Q.2. Is the missing sailor still being searched for?
Ans. Yes, rescue teams are actively searching for the missing junior sailor. All other personnel have been accounted for.
Q.3. How did the fire get under control?
Ans. The fire was controlled by the ship’s crew, with assistance from Naval Dockyard firefighters and other ships in the harbor. The blaze was brought under control by Monday morning.
Q.4. What is the current status of the INS Brahmaputra?
Ans. The INS Brahmaputra is now listing to one side despite stabilization efforts. An investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing.
Q.5. What is the INS Brahmaputra’s role and capabilities?
Ans. The INS Brahmaputra is a multi-role frigate equipped with advanced weapon systems, sensors, and helicopters, designed for maritime defense. It has a displacement of 5,300 tonnes and can reach speeds over 27 knots.
