Submarine mishap: Wreath laying ceremony for victims

The Navy will today conduct a wreath laying ceremony in memory of its two personnel who lost their lives battling the fire in submarine INS Sindhuratna.

"The Navy has organised the wreath laying ceremony today for Lieutenant Commander Kapish Munwal and Lieutenant Manoranjan Kumar," defence PRO Narendra Vispute said.

After the ceremony, the Navy will send the bodies to their natives places later today, a naval source said.

"The bodies were handed over to the respective families last night itself," said Dr Tatya Lahane, Dean of JJ hospital.

Navy sources had yesterday said that Munwal was probably the first one to spot the fire and swiftly jumped to contain its spread to prevent extensive damage to the submarine, while Kumar helped him to ensure the safety of other Navy personnel and contain damage to the submarine.

INS Sindhuratna was at sea on a routine training and workup (inspection) on February 26 when the mishap was reported. The submarine was towed to the harbour yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, a Navy release said the other crew members who were on board the INS Sindhuratna submarine have undergone preliminary medical check up. The condition of all the crew members is stable.

"Some are being kept under observation for a few days and will be discharged shortly," it said.

The kin of the deceased officers have arrived in Mumbai and the wreath laying will be held with full military honours. The Armed Forces and police units at their hometown have been informed to make arrangements.

The compensation is being processed with Naval headquarters and Ministry of Defence and it will be handed over to the next of kin, the release said.

The Naval ensign will be lowered half mast in the honour of the sacrifice made by officers in call of duty for the nation, it added.