Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhurakshak catches fire after explosion
Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhurakshak, which was docked at Mumbai naval dockyard, caught fire after an explosion inside the vessel, officials said.
According to naval officials, the submarine has submerged at the dock after explosion and salvage operations on.
Defence Minister AK Antony confirmed the death of sailors outside Parliament this morning but did not give any details.
The internal explosion occurred a little after midnight yesterday and the fire it caused was brought under control at about 3 am.
Witnesses said the explosion was very loud and could be heard at quite a distance.
The blast was first heard ashore by deputy chief of Mumbai's fire office P.S. Rahandale, who was on leave and attending a private engagement near the Gateway of India promenade. He immediately alerted the fire brigade and other emergency services.
According to sources in the Ministry of Defence, early reports said the explosion happened in the armament chamber of the fully-armed submarine, which carried heavy weight torpedos and "Klub" anti-shipping and land attack missiles.
Seen here, the general view of the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
The vessel had been refurbished three months ago in Russia at a cost of Rs. 480 crore.
Seen here, the submarine after it was modernised.
The 16-year-old submarine had been fitted with an improved warfare system and was expected to serve for at least 10 years more.
Seen here, the submarine after it was modernised.
In February 2010, the INS Sindhurakshak also suffered a fire while docked in Visakhapatnam city in southern India, killing a 24-year-old sailor and leaving two others with burns.
Seen here, the entrance of the naval dockyard.
INS Sindhurakshak is a kilo-class submarine which normally operates with a crew of 53 people and can sail on its own for 45 days, the Indian navy website says.
Seen here, a file pic showing INS Sindhurakshak soon after it was refurbished.
The Indian Navy needs at least 20 submarines, has been aiming for more than 30, but has only 14, including the Sindhurakshak and the INS Sindhuratna which was docked close by and has reportedly sustained some damage in the explosion on board the other vessel.
A general view of vessels is seen inside the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
