An Indian fishing vessel named Marthoma was involved in a collision with an Indian Navy submarine off the coast of Goa. This incident, confirmed by the Defence Ministry, has led to a significant search and rescue operation directed by the Indian Navy. The operation mobilized six ships and several aircraft in an extensive effort aimed at locating the 13 crew members who were aboard the fishing vessel at the time of the incident.
As of the latest reports, 11 of the crew members have been successfully rescued, while two individuals remain unaccounted for. The Ministry of Defence has stated that the collision occurred approximately 70 nautical miles from the Goa coast, involving the Marthoma and a Scorpene-class submarine, which is a vital asset in India’s naval fleet.
The ongoing search and rescue operations are being coordinated with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai, with additional support from the Coast Guard to enhance the efforts in the area. The ministry has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to locate the missing crew members.
An investigation into the cause of this unfortunate incident is currently underway, as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the collision.
India’s Scorpene-class submarines play an essential role within the nation’s naval strategy, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where they are equipped for a variety of missions including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. These submarines are characterized by advanced technology, featuring acoustic silencing, a hydrodynamically optimized structure, and the capability to conduct precision-guided attacks, significantly enhancing India’s naval operational capabilities.
