India: Mumbai Harbor Faces Silting Problem

January 23, 2014

In the fifth incident involving naval warships in the last six months, INS Betwa has suffered damage in its critical component after which the Navy is carrying out an investigation.

The latest incident detected last week comes six months after INS Sindhurakshak submarine sank in Mumbai harbor following a blast. The SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) system of warship INS Betwa was detected with hairline fracture in its dome that resulted in ingress of sea water into the system, pti quoted Navy sources as saying.

The Mumbai harbor is facing a problem of silting these days and dredging is being done to enhance the depth there.

Around the same place last week, INS Sindhughosh submarine was caught in a low tide phase in the waters and had a close shave amid fears of running aground.

Defense Minister A K Antony has sought a detailed report from the force on the particular incident but the Navy has not even ordered a Board of Inquiry into it.

[mappress]

Press Release, January 23, 2014