Indian Navy submarine runs into fishing boat off Goa, 2 fishermen missing. Massive rescue operation underway
A serious collision between an Indian fishing vessel and the Indian Navy submarine has left two fishermen missing off the Goa coast. The incident took place almost 70 nautical miles from the coast when the fishing boat Marthoma collided with a Scorpene-class submarine, one of the key additions in India's naval fleet. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the collision immediately led to a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The Indian Navy has dispatched six ships and aircraft to help search for the two missing crew members of the vessel. Meanwhile, it is reported that 11 crew members aboard the Marthoma vessel have been rescued while the two fishermen of the vessel are yet to be traced. Coordinator of MRCC Mumbai is arranging for a search-and-rescue operation, and further support from the Coast Guard is also being made to the spot.
Indian Navy Submarine Collision
The collision was between a fishing vessel named Marthoma and a Scorpene-class submarine that is equipped with stealth technology and has formidable skills in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The submarine, which is designed for various strategic missions in the Indian Ocean, has features such as advanced acoustic silencing, low noise levels, and the ability to launch precision-guided attacks, making it one of India’s most formidable naval assets. Despite the advanced technology, this incident highlights the potential risks in busy maritime routes.
Search and Rescue Operations
The search efforts have now gained momentum with much more assets launched to find the missing fishermen. At the time of the accident, the Marthoma had a crew of 13, and rescue for 11 crew members was swiftly carried out, but the Navy continues striving relentlessly to locate the remaining two. Defense ministry official assures that every possible measure is being taken, and one of them includes augmenting the search operation with additional ships and aircraft from the Coast Guard.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of fishing vessels in the busy maritime areas, especially in such cases where civilian and military maritime operations have proved to be uncoordinated.
