It was reported that an Indian Navy sailor has died following a recent explosion on a newbuilding nuclear powered submarine. The Incident happened at Navy’s Vizag based eastern naval command ship building centre jetty on April 1st. An onboard high pressure air system (HPAS) reportedly suffered material failure during testing, which then led to the explosion.
Four Arihant class nuclear submarines are based at Vizag, with the first submarine INS ARIHANT SSBN 80 commissioned in August 2016. In 2017, the second boat of the class INS ARIGHAT was launched and presently undergoing sea trials and expected to be commissioned in 2020. Remaining two submarines of the class are under construction. Naval sources expect that all four Arihant class submarines can be commissioned by 2023.
The sailor, identified as a 26 year old male person, was rushed to hospital following the explosion but later succumbed to his injuries. Later on, his body was handed over to the family and since he died while performing duty, he was given full military honour funeral at his home town.The navy has been ordered by a board of inquiry to conduct an investigation into the incident.
All images are of INS SINDHUDHVAJ S 56, Indian Navy Kilo Class Submarine calling at Malta on 18th September 2008.
Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Friday 10th April, 2020
