Inquiry Into Explosion on INS Sindhurakshak of Mumbai
An internal explosion occurredonboard INS Sindhurakshak around midnight on 13/14thAugust 2013 in the forward compartment, where ordnance was stowed, resulting in major fire onboard. The submarine is presently submerged and resting at the bottom at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
A Board of Inquiry (BoI) has been constituted by Indian Navy to investigate into the circumstances leading to the incident. The submarine which is submerged in the water is not accessible due to severe deformation of the interiors after the explosion and fire, as also due to poor visibility under water and siltation. The exact cause of explosion can only be established post salvage of the submarine. The efforts to salvage the submarine are being undertaken. The BoI would finalise its report post salvage of the submarine.
Government has an approved submarine building plan which is being progressed. Further, a proposal for extending service life of six submarines is also being examined.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Arvind Kumar Singhand others in Rajya Sabha today.
VP/HH