In a significant development for the Indian Navy, the frontline warship INS Brahmaputra has been successfully placed upright after suffering extensive damage due to a fire onboard while docked in Mumbai this past July. Vice-Admiral Sanjay J. Singh, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, provided updates regarding the ship’s restoration during a recent media briefing.
INS Brahmaputra, a guided missile frigate, was heavily impacted by the fire, which caused the vessel to tilt dangerously to one side. Following the incident, a comprehensive evaluation of the damage is underway, and a detailed restoration plan will be formulated once the Navy assesses the full extent of the wreckage.
On November 2, after significant efforts, the ship was successfully “uprighted,” marking a crucial first step in its recovery. Just days later, on November 8, it was moved into dry dock where Navy officials initiated damage assessments and preliminary repair work. Vice-Admiral Singh expressed optimism about the warship’s future, asserting that “the raging rhino (INS Brahmaputra) will rise again” and is expected to continue serving valiantly for years.
In addition to addressing the condition of INS Brahmaputra, Vice-Admiral Singh also commented on another recent incident involving the Indian Navy submarine, INS Karanj, which collided with the fishing boat FV Marthoma off the Goa coast. The Vice-Admiral acknowledged that the submarine sustained some damage from the collision but reassured that it remains operational. An assessment of the incident has been conducted, and repair efforts are currently in progress.
As the Indian Navy continues to manage the recovery of its vessels, the commitment to maintaining operational readiness remains a top priority. The restoration of INS Brahmaputra is particularly symbolic of the Navy’s resilience and dedication to upholding its esteemed reputation in maritime defense.
