2 Dead After INS Betwa, Guided Missile Frigate Of Indian Navy, Tips Over

Two persons were killed and at least 14 others injured on Monday when Indian Navy's guided missile frigate INS Betwa slipped while undocking at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai where it was undergoing a refit.

While one victim was reportedly inside the ship as it fell on its side, the other was in the waters below it. Another 14 personnel were rescued from the site and their condition is reported to be stable. The incident occurred around 1:50 pm when the 126-metre-long, 3,800-tonne ship fell on its side, with the mast hitting the dockyard floor.

Incidentally, INS Betwa had a cracked sonar dome in January 2014, or the bottom of the vessel which was the subject of a probe. "The incident occurred during undocking evolution wherein it is suspected that the dock block mechanism has failed," said an Indian Navy statement.

The extent of damage to the Brahmaputra Class frigate, commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 2004, is being assessed and technical evaluation for making the ship upright again is in process. One of the key warships of the Western Naval Command, INS Betwa is armed with anti-ship missiles, Barak 1 surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes and has taken part in several domestic and international operations.