INS Brahmaputra Severely Damaged by Fire During Maintenance at Mumbai Dockyard

A sudden and devastating fire broke out on the Indian Navy's multirole frigate, INS Brahmaputra, while it was undergoing maintenance at the naval dockyard in Mumbai. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, sending shockwaves through the naval community. The blaze caused significant damage, and by Monday morning, the ship was found listing on its side. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate a missing junior sailor, while all other personnel have been accounted for.

The INS Brahmaputra, the first of the indigenously built Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigates, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2000. This formidable vessel, boasting a displacement of 5,300 tonnes, a length of 125 meters, and a beam of 14.4 meters, is a critical asset to India's naval capabilities. Equipped with a range of weapons including medium and close-range guns, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, and torpedo launchers, the ship is designed to excel in various facets of maritime warfare. Additionally, it can operate Seaking and Chetak helicopters, enhancing its operational reach.

The fire started while the ship was undergoing a routine refit, a process essential for maintaining the vessel's operational readiness. The blaze was initially managed by the ship's crew with assistance from firefighters at the Naval Dockyard and other nearby ships. Despite their efforts, the fire caused the ship to start listing to one side. The navy's statement on Monday afternoon confirmed that the ship could not be brought back to an upright position and is now resting on its side at the berth.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and the Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry to investigate the incident. The search for the missing sailor continues, with rescue teams tirelessly combing through the damaged sections of the ship. This tragic event underscores the inherent risks faced by naval personnel even during routine maintenance activities.

The INS Brahmaputra is manned by a crew of 40 officers and 330 sailors, who have all been trained to handle such emergencies. The immediate response and coordination between the ship's crew and external firefighting teams highlight the preparedness and resilience of the naval forces. However, the damage to the ship and the potential loss of a sailor cast a shadow over the navy's routine operations.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place during maintenance activities at naval dockyards. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide insights into the cause of the fire and suggest measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. As the Indian Navy mourns the loss of a valuable asset and potentially a brave sailor, the focus will also be on learning from this tragedy to enhance the safety and effectiveness of its fleet.