MUMBAI
A naval officer was killed and two Mumbai Port Trust officials injured in an accident on an Indian navy destroyer, Yard 701 (INS Kolkata), on Friday.
The Defence Ministry confirmed the incident and the death of the officer. It is currently docked at the Bombay Port Trust and was undergoing trials.
“Yard-701, being built by Mazagaon Docks Limited, while undergoing machinery trials in Mumbai Port Trust had a malfunction in its carbon dioxide unit, leading to gas leakage. One Naval officer and some Mazagaon Docks Limited personnel were affected and have been hospitalised,” a ministry press release read.
This is the second major incident concerning the navy in less then a fortnight in and around Mumbai.
On February 26, two navy officers died and seven sailors were injured after a fire broke out in compartment number three of INS Sindhuratana.
The same evening Navy Chief Admiral DK Joshi resigned taking moral responsibility and his resignation was accepted.
“About 12:45pm when a fire fighting test was underway on board INS Kolkata, a Navy officer identified as Kundal Wadhva died due to gas leak. Two Dockyard officials have been injured and are undergoing treatment,” Additional Commissioner of Police Krishna Prakash told the press.
The Mumbai police are in the process of registering a case.
INS Kolkata (officially called Yard 701) was set for commissioning in a few weeks time.
TIMELINE OF NAVAL INCIDENTS
February 2014: Two naval officers were killed and seven sailors were left injured after a fire broke out in the sailor’s compartment of INS Sindhuratana.
January 2014: INS Airavat, an amphibious warfare vessel, ran aground. The commanding officer was suspended.
January 2014: INS Sindhughosh was about to run aground when it entered the Mumbai harbour during a low-tide.
December 2013: Fire broke out at India’s leading minesweeper, INS Konkan while undergoing repairs at Vizag.
August 2013: INS Sindhurakshak sank in the Mumbai harbour, killing all 18 personnel on board. Salvage operations of the submarine is yet to commence.