Two dead after Indian Navy frigate Betwa tips over during undocking

NEW DELHI: INS Betwa, a guided missile frigate, today tipped over during undocking at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. The Navy said two persons they were searching for are dead.

There has been an incident in the Cruiser Graving Dock, Naval Dockyard Mumbai, involving INS Betwa today. The incident occurred during undocking evolution wherein it is suspected that the dock blocks mechanism has failed, said Indian Navy spokesperson, Captain (IN) D K Sharma, said.

Sharma said two fatal casualties are confirmed. Others with minor injuries have been admitted to INHS Asvini in Mumbai.

"At about 1:50 PM today, INS Betwa, a frigate of the Indian Navy, was in the process of undocking in Naval Dockyard (Mumbai) when she slipped from her dock blocks and tilted. Immediate action was taken to get all personnel to safety. Two sailors however, succumbed to injuries post the incident," he said.

Technical evaluation for making the ship upright is in progress and an inquiry into the incident has been ordered.

Earlier today Sharma had said that 14 personnel have been rescued from the dock. They sustained minor injuries. "The diving is in progress to search for two missing crew members," he said.