Fire Erupts on INS Brahmaputra During Refit at Mumbai Naval Dockyard: A Detailed Account

Discover the details of the recent fire aboard INS Brahmaputra at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard. Learn about the containment efforts, the ongoing search for a missing sailor, and the Indian Navy’s investigation into the incident.

A fire erupted aboard the indigenous frigate INS Brahmaputra while it was undergoing refit at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, leading to significant damage and the unfortunate disappearance of a junior sailor. This incident has drawn attention to the critical maintenance operations and the inherent risks involved in refitting naval ships. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the incident, the containment efforts, and the ongoing investigation by the Indian Navy.

The Incident: Fire on INS Brahmaputra

On Sunday evening, a fire broke out on the INS Brahmaputra, a multirole frigate, while it was undergoing maintenance at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard. The frigate, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy in April 2000, is the first of the indigenously built ‘Brahmaputra’ class guided missile frigates. The fire led to a significant emergency response from the naval personnel and firefighters from the dockyard.

By Monday morning, the crew of the ship had managed to contain the fire with the help of firemen from the Naval Dockyard along with nearby ships. In the afternoon, in spite of these attempts, the ship started to lean to one side and finally came to rest on its side.

Search and Rescue Operations

In the wake of the fire, all personnel aboard the ship were accounted for except for one junior sailor. The Indian Navy has initiated search operations to locate the missing sailor. Rescue teams are actively involved in the search, while the rest of the crew has been safely evacuated. The safety and well-being of naval personnel are of utmost priority, and every effort is being made to find the missing sailor.

Containment and Follow-up Actions

The fire on the INS Brahmaputra was a serious incident, requiring a coordinated response from multiple teams. The naval statement indicated that the fire was controlled with assistance from various teams, and follow-up actions, including sanitization checks, were carried out to assess the residual risk of fire. These measures are critical in ensuring that no further flare-ups occur and that the ship’s safety is maintained during the recovery process.

Impact on INS Brahmaputra

With a displacement of 5,300 tons and a top speed of almost 27 knots, the INS Brahmaputra is outfitted with medium-, close-, and anti-aircraft cannons, as well as surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles and torpedo launchers. The ship’s extensive array of sensors covers all facets of maritime warfare, and it is capable of operating Seaking and Chetak helicopters. The damage from the fire and the subsequent listing of the ship raise concerns about the extent of repairs needed to restore it to operational status.

INS Brahmaputra Investigation and Future Steps

The Indian Navy has ordered an inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the incident. Such investigations are essential to determine any procedural lapses or technical faults that may have contributed to the fire. The findings of this inquiry will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and enhancing the safety protocols during refits and other maintenance operations.

Historical Significance and Technical Specifications of INS Brahmaputra

INS Brahmaputra holds a significant place in the Indian Navy, being the first indigenously built frigate of its class. It is manned by a crew of 40 officers and 330 sailors and is known for its robust design and advanced weaponry. The ship’s technical specifications include a length of 125 meters, a beam of 14.4 meters, and a sophisticated sensor suite for maritime operations. These features underscore the strategic importance of the INS Brahmaputra in the naval fleet.

In Short

The fire aboard the INS Brahmaputra is a stark reminder of the risks involved in naval operations, particularly during maintenance and refit periods. The swift response by the naval crew and firefighters helped contain the blaze, but the search for the missing sailor continues, and the ship’s current state requires thorough investigation and repair.

As the Indian Navy delves into the cause of the fire, the focus remains on enhancing safety measures and ensuring the welfare of its personnel. The resilience and dedication of the naval forces are evident in their response to this incident, and the ongoing efforts reflect their commitment to maintaining operational readiness and safeguarding lives.