Almost four months after a significant fire erupted aboard the INS Brahmaputra at the naval dockyard in Mumbai, the restoration process has achieved a crucial milestone. Sources have informed India Today TV that the multi-role frigate has been successfully righted, with foreign agency experts employing balloon-like structures for de-ballasting, effectively elevating the ship’s surface.
The INS Brahmaputra was in the midst of a refit when it caught fire in July, resulting in the tragic loss of at least one sailor and extensive damage to the warship. The incident caused the vessel to severely list to one side, leading to concerns about its stability and preventing it from returning to an upright position despite ongoing efforts.
In light of the complex challenges posed by the restoration, the Indian Navy sought the expertise of international professionals. However, officials have indicated that it may still take several months before the ship is deemed seaworthy, as additional specialized machinery and technical assistance will be necessary to ensure that it is fit for sailing.
Currently, the ship has been relocated from the site of the fire incident for restoration work. Its tilt was exacerbated by water accumulation that occurred during firefighting efforts, making the vessel significantly heavier and complicating the process of righting it.
International specialists recently conducted a thorough inspection of the ship to evaluate the impacts of the fire. The work thus far has proven to be a considerable challenge due to the excess weight resulting from water ingress.
Although the Navy has not released an official update on the progress of the salvage operation, sources indicate that the restoration and recovery process is expected to be lengthy. The Navy is working closely with foreign agencies to expedite the ship’s return to service, but the extensive damage will necessitate careful and detailed repairs.
Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, visited Mumbai following the incident to assess the situation and emphasize the importance of restoring the INS Brahmaputra’s seaworthiness and combat readiness. In response to the event, the Navy has established a Special Task Force, featuring the leadership of a Rear Admiral, to audit safety and security protocols across naval operations.
The Western Naval Command is overseeing the salvage and restoration efforts for the 24-year-old warship, which was nearing the completion of its refit before being scheduled to resume missions as part of the Western Fleet. Addressing the restoration process, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, affirmed the capabilities of Indian salvage teams while expressing the need for foreign assistance specifically for the INS Brahmaputra, ensuring that the ship will ultimately be revived.
