The Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene-class stealth submarine, INS Vagir, was recently involved in a minor collision with a fishing vessel off the Goa coast. The incident occurred while the submarine was transiting from Karwar Port to Mumbai Port for routine operations.
According to sources, INS Vagir surfaced approximately 400-500 meters ahead of a wooden fishing vessel. Despite the submarine's sensors not detecting any nearby vessels at the time, the fishing boat, trailing behind the submarine, failed to take evasive action, leading to the collision.
Witness accounts and sources suggest the fishing vessel likely continued its course out of curiosity or poor judgment, failing to slow down despite the submarine's presence. The fishing boat struck the submarine from the rear, causing minimal impact due to its wooden construction.
The fishing vessel reportedly disintegrated quickly on impact, tragically resulting in two casualties. The submarine, designed for stealth and endurance, did not sustain any major damage. However, as a precautionary measure, INS Vagir did not submerge again until it reached Mumbai Port, where routine checks were conducted to assess any potential damage. Initial reports indicate that the submarine remains operational.
INS Vagir, nicknamed the "Sand Shark," is part of the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines built under Project-75. These submarines are known for their advanced stealth capabilities, ability to launch precision strikes, and robust endurance. This incident, while rare, highlights the challenges faced by submarines operating in densely trafficked waters.
In response to the collision, the Indian Navy is considering enhanced outreach and training programs for local fishing communities to prevent similar incidents in the future. Better coordination between naval forces and civilian vessels, alongside awareness campaigns, can help reduce the risk of accidental collisions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance and communication in shared maritime spaces, especially given the increasing presence of advanced naval vessels like the Scorpene-class submarines.
