On July 24, 2024, a severe fire broke out on INS Brahmaputra, a guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, docked at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard. The blaze, which caused extensive damage to the vessel, started in the engine room and rapidly spread through the ship. Despite swift firefighting efforts, a junior sailor went missing during the chaos.
Incident Overview
- Time and Location: The fire ignited in the early hours at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard.
- Origin: The blaze began in the engine room, which houses critical machinery and systems essential for the ship’s operations.
- Damage: The fire inflicted significant structural and equipment damage to the frigate, rendering it non-operational for the foreseeable future.
- Casualty: A junior sailor is reported missing, prompting immediate search and rescue operations.
Immediate Response
The fire triggered a rapid response from the naval personnel stationed at the dockyard. Firefighting teams were deployed to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the dockyard. Despite their efforts, the intensity of the fire resulted in substantial damage.
In response to the incident, the Indian Navy has ordered a high-level investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest a possible technical malfunction, but a thorough inquiry will ascertain the exact reason. The Navy is also conducting a safety audit of all ships docked at Mumbai to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Background on INS Brahmaputra
INS Brahmaputra (F31) is a Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2000. The ship, equipped with modern weaponry and sensors, plays a crucial role in maritime security and national defense. The frigate has been involved in various naval exercises and missions, underscoring its importance in the naval fleet.
This incident is a stark reminder of previous naval mishaps. In 2014, a fire on INS Sindhurakshak, a submarine, resulted in the loss of 18 sailors. The Indian Navy has since implemented stringent safety protocols, but the INS Brahmaputra fire highlights the continuous need for vigilance and improvement in safety measures.
