Not one but several reasons behind INS Sindhurakshak mishap: Navy Chief

Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan on Wednesday stated that there were many reasons behind submarine INS Sindhurakshak's explosion that had killed 18 naval personnel in August last year adding that investigations are still underway.

"The INS Sindurakshak accident one and half years ago was a very serious incident in which around 18 of our navy personnel died in an explosion at the Mumbai harbor. But there is not just one reason behind it but many. We are investigating the reasons for such accidents," Admiral Dhowan told ANI on the eve of Indian Navy Day.

Array

"The reason could be many such as material, maintenance or procedural aspects because in a submarine there are fuels, and there is restricted space and if we don't follow procedures then there is a possibility of mishap," he added.

He further assured that every accident that happens in Navy is taken very seriously.

Array

"Whatever accidents have happened so far we have looked into them and found out the reason behind the mishap and we have also implemented their remedial measures, be it material, maintenance or procedural aspects or safety audits, to avoid them in future," Admiral Dhowan said.

Array

He also said that other than accidents, there are many other things also which happen in the Navy so only concentrating on accidents can affect Navy's image.

Array

"Our officers work on the periphery and border day and night to keep the nation secure. Operational exercises are done in far-off areas. But if we only concentrate on accidents then it will affect the image of the Navy. Our effort is to take the accidents seriously and implement safety measures and along with it our Navy works for protecting the coastal border and we will continue our operational exercise," Admiral Dhowan added.

Array

He also said that challenges such as piracy in the maritime area and maritime terrorism cause serious concerns for the Navy.

Array

INS Sindhurakshak caught fire, after three explosions, and sank at the naval dockyard in Mumbai around midnight between August 13 and August 14.

Array

About 18 personnel, including three officers and 15 crew members, were on board the submarine at the time of the accident and efforts are on to ascertain the cause of the accident, and ensure the safety of the personnel and salvage of the submarine.