In a significant maritime discovery, the Indian Navy’s newly acquired Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) recently located the wreckage of the Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi near the eastern coast of Vishakhapatnam.
The PNS Ghazi, once the flagship submarine of the Pakistan Navy, sank under mysterious circumstances during the Indo-Pak war in December 1971, claiming the lives of all 93 personnel on board.
Revealing the find, a senior official of the Indian Navy’s Submarine Rescue Unit disclosed, “We have located the Ghazi by a Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The discovery was made just a few nautical miles off the Vishakhapatnam coast, but we do not touch it in deference and out of respect for those fallen in true traditions of the Indian Navy.”
The DSRV’s capabilities are hailed as a critical tool for mapping unexplored ocean currents and providing enhanced navigation support for the Indian Navy’s underwater platforms.
Vishakhapatnam, with its deep inlets and an average depth of about 16 meters, offers anchorage for sea-faring ships, enabling submarines to operate in proximity to the coast.
It was this unique feature that drew the ill-fated Pakistani Navy submarine PNS Ghazi to patrol near the Vishakhapatnam coast during the 1971 war with India.
While the Indian narrative attributes the sinking of Ghazi to INS Rajput, Pakistan contends that an internal explosion or mines deployed by India led to its demise.
Apart from the discovery of PNS Ghazi, the Indian Navy’s exploratory efforts also unveiled the wreckage of a Japanese submarine, RO-110, which has rested on the seafloor for over 80 years.
Sunk during World War II by depth charges released by the Royal Indian Navy’s HMIS Jumna and the Australian Navy’s Ipswich, RO-110’s discovery adds another layer to the region’s maritime history.
India’s acquisition of DSRVs in 2018 has significantly bolstered its underwater search and rescue capabilities. With two DSRVs operational—one for the eastern and one for the western seaboard—India joins the ranks of 12 nations possessing this specialized technology. The DSRVs are adaptable for ship-mounting or air transport, enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct rescue operations efficiently.
Moreover, India’s commitment to maritime safety is underscored by plans to include two indigenously manufactured diving support vessels (DSVs) from Hindustan Shipyard Ltd, Visakhapatnam. These advanced vessels, capable of operating at depths of 650 meters, reflect India’s determination to ensure regional maritime security and safety.
