Inferno Ravages INS Brahmaputra: Navy’s Guided Missile Frigate Succumbs to Blaze
A catastrophic fire onboard the Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate, INS Brahmaputra, has left the vessel severely damaged and incapable of returning to an upright position. While no casualties have been officially reported, a junior sailor remains unaccounted for, prompting an intensive search operation.
Fire Erupts During Routine Maintenance, Ship Lists and Rests on Side
The blaze ignited on Sunday evening while the ship was undergoing a refit at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard. The ship’s duty staff, engaged in routine maintenance, detected the fire and valiantly fought alongside firefighters from the dockyard and other vessels to bring it under control by Monday morning. However, despite their efforts, the ship continued to list and ultimately settled on its side.
The Navy has initiated a comprehensive inquiry to investigate the cause of the fire and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the missing sailor. Additional safety measures, including sanitization checks to assess the residual risk of fire, have been implemented.
INS Brahmaputra: A Proud Legacy of Indigenous Defense Technology
Built by the state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, INS Brahmaputra holds the distinction of being the first indigenously constructed Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate. Commissioned into the Navy in 2000, it boasts impressive specifications, including a length of 125 meters, a beam of 14.4 meters, and a displacement of 5,300 tonnes. With a top speed exceeding 27 knots, it represents a significant achievement in India’s naval capabilities.
The Brahmaputra class, which also includes INS Beas and INS Betwa, is renowned for its guided missile capabilities. Notably, the Navy had recently embarked on a project to convert the propulsion system of INS Beas from steam to diesel, with plans to extend this upgrade to INS Brahmaputra and INS Betwa to enhance their lifespan, maintenance, and operational prowess.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| INS Brahmaputra severely damaged by fire. | The ship is currently resting on its side and cannot be returned to an upright position. |
| One junior sailor missing, search operation underway. | No other casualties have been reported. |
| Fire broke out during routine maintenance. | Blaze was brought under control, but ship continued to list and eventually settled on its side. |
| Navy has launched an inquiry into the incident. | Additional safety measures have been implemented. |
| INS Brahmaputra is the first indigenously built guided missile frigate. | Commissioned in 2000, it is part of the Brahmaputra class, which also includes INS Beas and INS Betwa. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
