JOIN US
In the wake of recent mishaps involving warships under his command, Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha was called to the Naval headquarters here today to explain the reasons and actions taken.
The Naval headquarters is disturbed over the series of incidents involving the crucial assets of the force, Navy sources said.
A number of mishaps have taken place recently under the Western Command including the sinking of navy’s Russian-origin Kilo-class submarine, the INS Sindhurakshak, after a suspected explosion, killing the 18 crew on board. The submarine is yet to be salvaged.
Another Kilo-class vessel INS Sindhughosh had a close shave when it entered the Mumbai harbour in a low-tide phase.
The INS Talwar, a stealth frigate, hit a fishing boat during manoeuvres at sea on December 23 and sunk it off the coast of Ratnagiri. Four of the 27 fishermen on board the fishing boat were injured.
INS Betwa, another new firgate, was damaged while it was out in the sea and its critical Sonar system had to be repaired after it was dry-docked at the Mumbai harbour.
The commanders of the two warships have been been removed for the lapses on their part while operating the warships.
The Western Naval Command headquarters also had a close shave when a heavy calibre gun misfired on it while it was being alligned by the personnel from the naval armament depot.
The Navy has also ordered inquiries and it has been asked by the Defence Ministry to take corrective measures to avoid such mishaps and follow the Standard Operating Procedures.