Naval officer dies firefighting on Indian aircraft carrier

NEW DELHI: A case of fire was reported onboard INS Vikramaditya Friday when the ship was entering harbour in Karwar. According to a statement issued by the Indian Navy, the fire was brought under control by the ship’s crew in a swift action preventing any serious damage affecting the ship’s combat capability.

Lt Cdr DS Chauhan led the firefighting efforts in the affected compartment. Whilst the fire was brought under control, the officer suffered loss of consciousness owing to the smoke and fumes during the firefighting efforts, and was immediately evacuated to the Naval Hospital at Karwar, INHS Patanjali for medical attention. However, the officer could not be revived.

A Board of Inquiry to investigate in to the circumstances of the incident has been ordered.