INS Brahmaputra severely damaged by fire; resting on one side; sailor missing

Mumbai: A fire erupted onboard the frigate INS Brahmaputra undergoing refit at Mumbai's Naval Dockyard, which was swiftly doused, an official said on Monday.

Despite all efforts, the ship could not be brought to an upright position. The ship continued to list further alongside her berth and is presently resting on one side. All personnel have been accounted for except one junior sailor, for whom the search is in progress.

The Indian Navy said an inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the fire, which was detected by the ship's duty staff while carrying out routine maintenance work.

"A fire broke out onboard an Indian Naval Ship undergoing refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on July 21, 2024," the Navy stated.

"The ship's firefighting team immediately commenced firefighting action and was augmented by the fire brigade from the Naval dockyard, Mumbai, and other units in the vicinity. The fire has been brought under control, and no casualties have been reported in the incident," the Navy said. (With inputs from agencies)