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Russian-Made Indian Submarine Sinks After Blast, Fire

August 14, 2013
by RFE/RL

A Russian-built submarine used by the Indian Navy has sunk in the port of Mumbai after an explosion and fire on board.

Indian naval officials said on August 14 that 18 sailors who were on board the diesel-powered INS Sindhurakshak are missing.

In New Delhi, Indian Defense Minister A.K. Anthony confirmed that some sailors had died, but did not give any numbers.

'I am going to Mumbai to see the details there,' he said. 'It's a great loss to all of us, the greatest tragedy of recent times. I feel sad about that. I feel sad also about the navy personnel who lost their lives in the service of the country.'

Several other people, including sailors stationed on vessels nearby, were reportedly taken to the hospital with injuries. The cause of the blast early on August 14 was not immediately known, and officials have ordered an investigation.

Navy divers were working to enter the vessel, which is resting on its nose on the seabed eight meters down. Pictures have shown the submarine nearly submerged at its dock. Amateur video footage of the incident appeared to show a large fireball at the site.

Navy spokesman P.V.S. Satish said the submarine was fully operational and was carrying a 'full complement of torpedoes and missiles.'

Reports say the 16-year-old submarine had recently returned from Russia, where it been given an overhaul and upgrade.

There was an explosion aboard the same submarine in 2010 that killed one sailor and injured two others.

Russia has already offered to help in the inquiry into the explosion, noting there are currently eight specialists in Mumbai from the Zvezdochka center where the ship was overhauled.

Last year, India leased a Russian Nerpa nuclear submarine for 10 years at a cost of $1 billion.

India has also built its own nuclear sub and its reactor was activated for the first time on August 10.

That vessel is expected to go to into service in the next two years.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-indian- sub-sinks-explosion/25074842.html

Copyright (c) 2013. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.