14 DAY TRIAL // Rescue teams have come across “no signs of life” after a massive submarine explosion in India, reports say.
According to ABC, 18 sailors were on board the vessel when it blew up and quickly sank on Wednesday, August 14.
Defense minister AK Antony has confirmed the death of some of the sailors in a press conference, without mentioning the number of casualties. However, all those aboard are feared dead.
The incident took place at a Navy base in Mumbai and the vessel caught on fire before sinking. The crew on the diesel-powered submarine would have been trapped inside and left facing the flames.
“While we hope for the best, we have to prepare for the worst. […] The indicators are negative" where sings of life are concerned,” Chief of naval staff D.K. Joshi has stated.
The submarine had recently been serviced in Russia and it is believed to have been carrying weapons. The upgrade has been performed earlier this year.
“Some agencies are reporting that the fire in fact set off two torpedoes, one of which skimmed past a submarine that was berthed nearby and another sailed harmlessly into either the water or some other buildings,” comments Rahul Bedi, a defense expert with IHS Jane's Defence Weekly.
Witnesses have reported at least two blasts on the submarine before watching it sink. The incident also produced damage to other ships.
“There were two to three explosions and the night sky lit up briefly. [...] There was a lot of smoke and I thought it was some major repair work,” describes eyewitness Dharmendra Jaiswal.
Navy spokesman P.V.S. Satish mentioned a rescue operation being in place for the sailor trapped aboard, but there is no information on survivors at this point.
We will keep you updated as this story progresses.