Indian Navy Submarine in Collision with Fishing Vessel Near Goa, Search for Missing Fishermen Ongoing

A serious incident unfolded off the coast of Goa when a fishing vessel collided with an Indian Navy submarine, leading to a large-scale rescue operation for two missing fishermen. Eleven crew members have been rescued, while efforts to locate the others continue.

P24 News Media

November 22, 2024

1 minute

India

On November 21st, approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa, the collision occurred involving a fishing vessel named Marthoma, which had a total of 13 crew members onboard. An Indian Navy spokesperson reported the incident, confirming that the submarine was on duty as part of the Navy’s operations.

The Indian Navy initiated a comprehensive rescue effort, coordinating with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) situated in Mumbai. The ongoing search includes the deployment of advanced naval assets to ensure the swift location of the two missing fishermen. According to the Navy's statements, a high-level inquiry has been launched to investigate the details surrounding the incident.

The search operation has seen the mobilization of additional resources, including support from the Coast Guard to enhance rescue efforts in the area where the collision took place. In total, six ships along with an undisclosed number of aircraft have been actively involved in the recovery mission.

The fishing vessel involved was a Marthoma, operating with a small crew, and the incident raises serious concerns about the safety protocols at sea. This unfortunate event highlights the increasing hazards that fishermen face in waters that are also frequented by naval operations.

The submarine that was part of the incident belongs to the Scorpene class, noted for its advanced operational capabilities, including a variety of military functions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence operations, and area surveillance. The submarine is designed with advanced stealth technology, significantly reducing noise levels, which makes it a crucial asset within the Indian Navy's fleet.

At the moment, the reasons for the collision are still under scrutiny, and the Navy has not disclosed any additional details regarding the condition of the other crew members from the fishing vessel or the current status of the submarine. The potential for such incidents emphasizes the need for stringent maritime safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

This incident comes amidst other maritime challenges faced by fishermen in the region, as evidenced by a previous incident reported in August, where a fishing boat collided with a Sri Lankan naval vessel near Tamil Nadu, resulting in the loss of a crew member's life. The frequency of such accidents calls for better navigational aids and clearer demarcation of operational zones for naval and fishing activities.

As the search continues, families of the missing fishermen await news with hope and concern, while the Navy reassures the public of their commitment to thorough investigations and the safety of operations conducted both at sea and in the air.