The explosion inside the INS Sindhurakshak was likely an accident, says navy spokesperson. PHOTO: REUTERS
"There are some people who are trapped on board, we are in the process of trying to rescue them, we suspect it to be in the range of 18," said navy spokesperson PVS Satish.
"We will not give up until we get to them," Satish said.
The explosion inside the INS Sindhurakshak was likely an accident, Satish said. Photos distributed by social media users appeared to show a large fireball over the navy dock where the diesel-electric submarine was berthed.
Television reports said the vessel was half submerged after the fire.
The INS Sindhurakshak was upgraded at a Russian shipyard last year, according to Russian media.
The apparent accident comes in the same week as India launched a locally refitted aircraft carrier due for completion in 2017, and announced that the reactor on India's first home-built nuclear submarine was now operational.
Press Trust of India reported that the Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry into the fire.
Navy orders board of enquiry into Naval submarine fire in Mumbai: Navy Official.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 14, 2013
COMMENTS (22)
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@Uday Singh: You are wrong, it's not about a good news or a bad news. Its the importance that matters. When ever India test missiles it's reported. Bollywood news good or bad are reported, I can tell you a list. But I cannot help a person like you who sees conspiracy in every thing.
Very sad incident..
@The Economist: Yea, that would come out after some Indian disgruntled insider becomes the whistle blower in next 5 years !
The truth is neither India nor Pakistan can afford these mishaps. Who are we kidding? Both countries have hunger, poverty, over population and numerous other problems. Instead, both choose to ignore these larger problems and buy other countries' junk and left-overs. All that money into defense. Imagine what both India and Pakistan could do had they not spent this much on defense and chose to live peacefully.
@Fahad Raza @sadiq @LUMS
Good to see you fellows joking and making fun of the dead. Makes you feel at home, doesnt it ?
I see that any bad news, disaster or malfunction happening in India get very promptly reported on Pak news papers but a good news, achievement, peoples' success or development works go un reported. Should I call it media-partiality or govt-interference...?
sad when i think about those 18 families.
Reminds me of PNS Ghazi sinking during the1971 Indo-Pakistan War, accidents do happen.
Nice.
I hope that nuclear submarine will not implode like this one!
@The Economist: And u think killing 5 soldiers of Indian Army which is double the size is not a skill? u better think again!
@The Economist: It's requies high skills to sank also.
India needs to produce quality products like Israel in stead of importing old-tech russian imports...We don't lack cash , but we lack quality manpower...
@The Economist: Don't underestimate Pakistanis. We are very innovative when it comes to target destruction.
Operating a submarine is a dangerous business. Anything can happen any time. In addition I do not consider India a technologically advanced nation to be able to handle hundreds of complex aspects of a submarine nor do I think India is capable of producing high quality indigenous electronic products or precision products.
@Fahad Raza: No not pakistan as it would have required skill to accomplish such task.
hmmm Pakistan must be behind this as well
I hope and pray that the brave soldiers are rescued.
It is a very unfortunate and sad incidence. There is a limit to which you can upgrade or refurbish old submarines. This could be a cause.
Many years ago, I had been on a conducted tour of a US submarine. We were explained that the batteries discharge hydrogen that needs to be expelled out properly. If not it could cause explosion. The submarine needs power even when docked and the batteries power the submarine. If not this would cause explosion. Inside the submarine, it is a very cramped space. The submarine I saw had beds for the sailors that were right on top of the torpedos. The sailors sleep on top of the torpedos.
Blame Pakistan...!!
Our prayers are with those who are trapped.
Sad.