In a significant maritime incident off the Goan coast, the Yellow Gate police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a collision between the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj and the fishing trawler FV Marathoma. According to the Navy’s complaint, which was filed by Kamal Preet Singh, the executive officer of the submarine, the collision occurred while INS Karanj was engaged in operational deployment on the evening of November 21, leading to extensive damages estimated at approximately ₹10 crore.
Details from the police report indicate that the submarine was navigating towards the southeast at a speed of six knots while maintaining a periscope depth when it detected the fishing trawler on its sonar system. As the submarine crew attempted to maneuver away to avoid a collision, the FV Marathoma struck the submarine, resulting in the sinking of the trawler.
The Navy acted swiftly, rescuing 11 individuals from the water despite an oil spill from the sinking vessel. During follow-up searches conducted on November 28, authorities discovered the bodies of two fishermen who had likely been unable to escape the vessel before it went under.
In light of the incident, the FIR cites several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including causing death by negligence, endangering lives through rash or negligent actions, rash navigation of a vessel, and mischief. A board of inquiry has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, and the findings are currently pending.
Following the incident, the submarine was transported to the Indian Navy base located in Karwar, Karnataka, where initial inspections revealed severe damage necessitating costly repairs. The implications of this incident raise important questions regarding maritime safety and the responsibilities of vessels operating in overlapping jurisdictions.
