SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Navy successfully employed its Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) to locate the wrecks of two sunken submarines during a recent training program. This exercise demonstrates the growing capabilities of the Indian Navy in deep-sea operations and underwater rescue missions.
The discovered submarines include:
- PNS Ghazi: The ill-fated Pakistani Navy submarine that sank mysteriously near the Vishakhapatnam coast during the 1971 war, claiming the lives of all 93 personnel onboard.
- RO-110: A Japanese submarine sunk by the Royal Indian Navy and the Australian Navy during World War II, resting on the seabed for the past 80 years.
Prior to 2018, India lacked the technology to locate and access sunken vessels or submarines at such depths. However, the acquisition of two DSRVs, one for each coast, has significantly enhanced its capabilities. These versatile vehicles can be either ship-mounted or air-transported, allowing for rapid deployment to diverse locations.
This training exercise not only underscores the operational readiness of the DSRVs but also highlights their potential for historical research and recovery operations. The successful rediscovery of the PNS Ghazi and RO-110 offers valuable insights into these historical events and may pave the way for further investigations.
Overall, the Indian Navy’s deployment of DSRVs marks a significant advancement in its underwater capabilities, potentially playing a crucial role in future rescue operations, historical research, and maritime security endeavors.