Navy confirms death of two 'missing' officers onboard INS Sindhuratna

The Indian Navy on Thursday confirmed that two of its officers - Lieutenant Commander Kapish Muwal and Lieutenant Manoranjan Kumar, who were onboard the submarine INS Sindhuratna, have died.

The two were reported to be missing after Wednesday's accident on the INS Sindhuratna, in which seven other officers were seriously injured.

Earlier today, Defence Minister AK Antony said he was sad about the whole development.

After the accident, Indian Navy Chief Admiral D.K. Joshi had resigned, taking moral responsibility for it.

"I am sad about the whole development. Yesterday, Admiral Joshi met me and handed over his resignation letter," said Antony.

"Vice Admiral Robin Dhowan is now officiating as the new navy chief," he added.

Joshi's resignation came hours after INS Sindhuratna had a mishap off the Mumbai coast in which seven sailors were taken seriously ill. Two officers are also missing after the yesterday's incident.

Smoke engulfed the Russian-made submarine and the seven affected sailors had to be airlifted to a hospital in Mumbai. The Defence Ministry has sought a detailed report from the navy.

Yesterday's mishap was the 11th involving an Indian Navy vessel and the third involving a submarine in the last seven months.