Exact cause of Sindhurakshak's explosion yet to be ascertained

Antony said that the exact cause can only be established after the submarine in salvaged

Indian Navy's inability to salvage INS Sindhurakshak, which exploded and subsequently sank off the Mumbai coast on August 13-14 night this year, has made it difficult to establish the reason behind the incident.

Defence Minister A K Antony told Rajya Sabha today that the exact cause of explosion can only be established after the submarine in salvaged.

"The submarine which is submerged in 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," he said.

Some MPs had sought to know the details of the inquiry ordered to look into the tragedy, which resulted into death of all 18 personnel aboard.

Navy had constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate into the circumstances leading to the incident.

Antony said a proposal for extending service life of six submarines is also being examined.