Naval officers work at the dockyard where submarine INS Sindhurakshak exploded and sank.
Eighteen crewmen are feared killed on the INS Sindhurakshak, a diesel-powered and world-class submarine, which exploded and sank shortly early on Wednesday morning at the high-security naval dockyard in Mumbai. (
See pictures)
"Whilst we hope for the best, we are prepared for the worst," said Naval Chief Admiral DK Joshi.
The disaster is thought to be the worst for the Indian navy in over three decades. Defence Minister AK Antony described the sinking as the "greatest tragedy in recent times."
The submarine was fully loaded when the explosion took place shortly after midnight; missiles and torpedoes were detonated in the fire. Safety mechanisms to prevent that from happening did not work, the naval chief admitted. An inquiry on the disaster is to be completed within four weeks. (
Watch the video of explosion)
Torpedoes are launched underwater to attack other submarines while missiles are used for long ranges above water.
Early last evening, naval divers had managed to pry open the main hatch of the diesel-powered submarine, and were trying to find their way through the vessel.
The multiple blasts were so loud that that they could be heard and seen across parts of South Mumbai. Grainy amateur video footage taken by a witness showed a fireball in the forward section of the submarine where torpedoes and missiles are stored as well as the battery units.
The sinking of the submarine is a huge setback for the ambitious modernisation drive of the Indian navy which has a total of 14 submarines of which only between seven and nine are operational at any point because of regular repair and refitting operations. (
Read: How this loss impacts the Indian Navy)
The INS Sindhurakshak had been returned by Russia less than a year ago after a major refit which cost India nearly 480 crores rupees. (
Read: INS Sindhurakshak was fine after refit, says Russian firm)
In 2010, a fire on the submarine while docked in Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh killed a 24-year-old sailor.