INS Betwa slips during undocking in Mumbai dockyard

Guided missile frigate INS Betwa slipped while undocking at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday, an official said. While 14 personnel were evacuated from the spot with minor injuries, two were missing and a search was underway for them.

The incident occurred around 1.50 p.m. while the ship was undergoing a refit at the dry dock.

"There has been an incident in the Cruiser Graving Dock, Naval Dockyard Mumbai involving INS Betwa today (Monday).

"The incident occurred during undocking evolution wherein it is suspected that the dock block mechanism has failed," said an Indian Navy statement.

Navy officials said 14 personnel were rescued from the dock with minor injuries. "All personnel are stable. Diving in progress to look for two missing crew," said an official.

The extent of damage to the 3,800 tonne Brahmaputra-Class frigate, commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 2004, is being assessed.

--IANS

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