Update 2 - Search and Rescue Operations by Indian Navy for Four Missing Naval Personnel

A full scale Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is in progress by the Indian Navy for the four personnel reported missing in a mishap involving a Torpedo Recovery Vessel (TRV A-72) of Indian Navy, which sank off the coast of Visakhapatnam at around 2000h on 06 Nov 14.

Nine ships of the Eastern Fleet and a few aircraft including Boeing P8I, Dorniers, Sea King 42C and Chetak helicopters have since been deployed (through day and night) to search for the missing personnel. Though no missing personnel have been found till this afternoon, one Handycam (video-camera) and two life jackets (belonging to TRV 72) were recovered yesterday from the search area.

At the time of the incident there were 29 personnel on board. One sailor James Jacob POME has lost his life during the rescue operation and four personnel (one officer and three sailors) are still reported missing. Remaining 24 personnel have been safely brought ashore.

As per the latest inputs, the search is going on in an area 80 NM SSW (South South West) of Visakhapatnam catering for the prevailing drift and currents (Map of the search area is attached for reference).

A Board of Inquiry headed by a Captain is in progress to investigate into the circumstances leading to the mishap.

DKS/AK 71/14