INS Brahmaputra Uprighted After Fire Damage, Set to Resume Operations

Mumbai: The Indian Navy has announced significant progress in restoring its frontline warship, INS Brahmaputra, which had sustained severe damage due to a fire incident over four months ago. Vice-Admiral Sanjay J Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, confirmed that the guided missile frigate has been successfully set “upright” and is poised to return to operational status.

During a media briefing on the eve of Navy Day, Vice-Admiral Singh expressed optimism about the warship’s future. He stated, “The raging rhino (INS Brahmaputra) will rise again and will lead the charge for years to come.” The initial phase of restoring the vessel has already been completed, with the ship being uprighted on November 2 and subsequently placed in dry dock on November 8 to facilitate thorough damage assessment and initial repairs.

The incident occurred in late July when a major fire broke out onboard INS Brahmaputra while docked at the naval facility in Mumbai. The blaze caused extensive damage, resulting in the vessel tilting significantly to one side. Following the incident, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi conducted a visit to the dockyard to oversee the situation and the unfolding of events that led to the fire.

In addition to updates on INS Brahmaputra, Vice-Admiral Singh addressed the recent collision involving another naval asset, INS Karanj, and a fishing boat, FV Marthoma, off the coast of Goa. He confirmed that while INS Karanj suffered damages that are estimated to exceed Rs 10 crore, it remains operational. The collision, which took place on November 21, resulted in tragic outcomes, with the fishing vessel sinking and two fatalities reported. In response, the Mumbai Police have booked the captain of FV Marthoma for his role in the incident.

Vice-Admiral Singh pointed out that damage assessments have been conducted, and repairs are ongoing for INS Karanj. Furthermore, he reassured that the Navy is actively pursuing an internal inquiry into the collision, with a commitment to implementing any necessary corrective measures upon concluding the investigation. The incident has drawn attention not only for its operational implications but also for its tragic human cost, as rescue efforts managed to save 11 out of 13 crew members from the fishing boat.