SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Navy’s fifth Scorpene-class stealth submarine, INS Vagir, commissioned in January 2023, was recently involved in a minor collision with a fishing vessel near the Goa coast. According to sources quoted by idrw.org, the incident occurred while the submarine was transiting from Karwar Port to Mumbai Port for routine operations.
The collision reportedly took place when INS Vagir surfaced approximately 400-500 meters ahead of a wooden fishing vessel. Despite the submarine’s sensors not detecting any nearby vessels at the time, the fishing boat trailing behind the submarine failed to execute evasive maneuvers, leading to the collision.
Witness accounts and sources suggest that the fishing vessel Likely continued its course out of curiosity and poor judgment, failing to slow down despite the submarine’s presence. Struck the submarine from the rear, causing minimal impact due to the wooden construction of the boat.
The fishing vessel reportedly disintegrated quickly on impact, but two casualties have been reported. The submarine, designed for stealth and endurance, did not sustain any major damage. However, as a precautionary measure, INS Vagir did not submerge again until it reached Mumbai Port, where routine checks were conducted to assess the extent of any potential damage. Initial reports indicate that the submarine remains operational and unharmed.
INS Vagir, nicknamed the “Sand Shark,” is part of the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines built under Project-75. These submarines are known for their advanced stealth capabilities, ability to launch precision strikes, and robust endurance. Such incidents, while rare, underline the challenges faced by submarines operating in densely trafficked waters.
The Indian Navy considering enhanced outreach and training programs for local fishing communities to prevent such incidents in the future. Better coordination between naval forces and civilian vessels, alongside awareness campaigns, can reduce the risk of accidental collisions.
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