INS Brahmaputra, an Indian Navy frigate, is resting on its side after a major fire broke out on the ship. The Navy stated on Monday that they are searching for a sailor who has been missing since the fire incident.
The fire broke out on INS Brahmaputra on July 21. It was brought under control by the ship’s crew with the assistance of firefighters from Mumbai’s naval dockyard. Despite efforts, the ship suffered severe listing to its port side and could not be brought back to an upright position.
The Navy has ordered an inquiry into the incident. In a statement, they said, “A fire had broken out onboard the Indian Naval Ship Brahmaputra, a multi-role frigate, on the evening of 21 July 2024 while she was undergoing refit. The fire was brought under control by the ship’s crew with the assistance of firefighters from the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and other ships in the harbour, by the morning of 22 July 2024. Further, follow-on actions including sanitisation checks for assessment of residual risk of fire were carried out.”
The statement continued, “In the fire incident onboard the frigate INS Brahmaputra, the warship experienced severe listing to one side (port side). Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to the upright position. The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side.”
The Navy also noted that all personnel had been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is ongoing. They stated, “All personnel have been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress. An inquiry has been ordered by the Indian Navy to investigate the accident.”
The incident underscores the challenges and risks involved in maintaining and refitting naval vessels, particularly those as significant as multi-role frigates like INS Brahmaputra.
