The Indian Navy has initiated a comprehensive review of its safety, security, and standard operating procedures following a fire incident aboard the INS Brahmaputra on July 21st.
The guided missile frigate, undergoing a refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, caught fire due to a welding incident, resulting in the tragic loss of one sailor and injuries to two others.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has formed a Special Task Force (STF) to conduct a thorough examination of existing procedures aimed at preventing fire, flooding, and grounding of naval platforms.
The STF, headed by a Rear Admiral, will also assess safety, security, and organization across the navy, making recommendations to Naval Headquarters on necessary improvements and innovations.
The fire incident aboard the INS Brahmaputra has raised concerns at the highest levels, including the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously emphasized the importance of accountability for accidents and stressed the need for meticulous maintenance of naval platforms.
The STF's mandate extends beyond fire safety, encompassing the review of security measures at naval bases and guidelines for tackling sabotage and emerging threats. The task force has been given 60 days to submit its report, which is expected to significantly impact the navy's safety and security protocols.
This incident is not the first to raise concerns about safety at the Mumbai Naval Dockyards. In 2016, the INS Betwa, another Brahmaputra-class frigate, suffered a freak accident while undergoing repairs at the same dockyard.
The navy remains tight-lipped about the details of the incident, but Admiral Tripathi has provided a preliminary assessment to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Board of Inquiry established to investigate the accident is tasked with determining accountability and identifying the root causes of the fire.
The INS Brahmaputra, a 3,850-tonne frigate built at a cost of ₹450 crore, is a valuable asset to the Indian Navy. Efforts are underway to assess the damage and restore the ship to seaworthy condition.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in naval operations and the critical importance of stringent safety measures. The navy's comprehensive review, prompted by this tragedy, aims to ensure the safety of its personnel and the operational readiness of its fleet.
