An Indian Navy submarine was involved in a collision with a fishing vessel named ‘Marthoma’ while operating about 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa. The incident occurred on Thursday during the submarine’s transit along the west coast. Following the collision, prompt action resulted in the rescue of 11 crew members from the fishing vessel shortly after the accident. However, two crew members remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search operations.
In response to the emergency, the Indian Navy quickly initiated a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, deploying six ships along with multiple aircraft to locate and assist the remaining crew. The Navy’s commitment to ensuring safety at sea was evident as they intensified their efforts on Friday, bolstering the operation with additional resources, including support from the Indian Coast Guard.
The operation is being carefully coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) based in Mumbai. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) released a statement confirming the search efforts for the missing crew members of the ‘Marthoma’ following the collision with the Navy’s submarine, referred to as PM 21. The ministry emphasized the seriousness of the operation, noting that extra assets have been diverted to enhance the search efforts.
As the investigation into the cause of the collision unfolds, details regarding the condition of the missing crew members and the extent of damage sustained by both vessels have yet to be revealed. The incident has raised concerns and highlighted the importance of safety measures at sea, particularly regarding the interactions between military and civilian maritime activities. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the search continues and the investigation progresses.
