INS Sindhurakshak

Sindhurakshak was constructed at the Admiralty Shipyard in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Construction of the submarine began in 1995. It was launched in June 1997 and delivered to India in December 1997.{{cite news|title=INS Sindhurakshak was refitted in Russia's Zvezdochka shipyard|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/ins-sindhurakshak-was-refitted-in-russia-zvezdochka-shipyard/1/299429.html|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=14 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=Russia hands over to India refitted submarine|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/russia-hands-over-to-india-refitted-submarine_825251.html|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=Zee News|date=27 January 2013}}

Sindhurakshak was deployed very close to Karachi, Pakistan during the Kargil War in 1999.{{cite news|title=Torpedoes are coolest place to sleep on|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Torpedoes-are-coolest-place-to-sleep-on/articleshow/21871241.cms|access-date=17 August 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=17 August 2013}}{{Cite web|title = INS Sindhurakshak tragedy: We revisit the late J Dey's 2009 report on the submarine|url = http://archive.mid-day.com/news/2013/aug/170813-ins-sindhurakshak-tragedy-we-revisit-the-late-j-deys-2009-report-on-the-submarine.htm|website = Mid Day|access-date = 2015-07-31|last = Dey|first = J|date = 17 August 2013|publication-place = Mumbai|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131111194146/http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/aug/170813-ins-sindhurakshak-tragedy-we-revisit-the-late-j-deys-2009-report-on-the-submarine.htm|archive-date = 11 November 2013|url-status = dead}}

File:President on-board INS Sindhurakshak.jpg

On 13 February 2006, during the submarine's deployment in Vishakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command, the then President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam became the first Indian head of state to sail in a submarine. He was given a demonstrative excursion, during which the submarine dived and sailed in the Bay of Bengal for a few hours. He was accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff Arun Prakash. The submarine was commanded by Commander P S Bisht.{{cite news|title=Kalam's sortie in INS Sindhurakshak|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/14/stories/2006021420720100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060301070440/http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/14/stories/2006021420720100.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2006|access-date=19 August 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=14 February 2006}}{{cite news|title=When an ecstatic Kalam rode the INS Sindhurakshak|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/abdul-kalam-ins-sindhurakshak-indian-navyvizag-former-president/1/9952.html|access-date=19 August 2013|newspaper=India Today}}

A fire broke out aboard Sindhurakshak while the vessel was in Visakhapatnam in February 2010. One sailor was killed and two others were injured. Navy officials reported that the fire had been caused by an explosion in the submarine's battery compartment, which occurred due to a faulty battery valve that leaked hydrogen gas.{{cite news|title=Explosion on Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhurakshak possibly due to gas buildup|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-navy-submarine-ins-sindhurakshak-fire-explosion-gas-buildup/1/299408.html|access-date=14 August 2013|date=14 August 2013}}{{cite news |title=Fire mishap on INS Sindhurakshak due to explosion in battery: Navy |work=Hindustan Times|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/India/Fire-mishap-on-INS-Sindhurakshak-due-to-explosion-in-battery-Navy/Article1-513475.aspx |date=27 February 2010 |access-date=14 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817013123/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/India/Fire-mishap-on-INS-Sindhurakshak-due-to-explosion-in-battery-Navy/Article1-513475.aspx |archive-date=17 August 2013}}

After the fire damage in 2010, Sindhurakshak was transported to Russia on board a heavy lift ship from Visakhapatnam in June 2010 for refit, overhaul and upgrade which lasted two and a half years.{{cite web|author=Commodore (Retd) Ranjit B Rai|title=The Indian Navy's Submarine Arm is Dependable|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories3022_The_Indian_Navys_Submarine_Arm_is_Dependable.htm|publisher=India Strategic|access-date=23 November 2013|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016021556/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories3022_The_Indian_Navys_Submarine_Arm_is_Dependable.htm|url-status=dead}} In August 2010, Sindhurakshak arrived at the Zvezdochka shipyard in Russia. The submarine was modernised, repaired and retrofitted under Project 08773, and after the upgrade, the sea trials started in October 2012. The upgrades included improved electronic warfare systems, an integrated weapon control system and a new cooling system, and were expected to extend the service life of the submarine by ten years.{{cite news|title=Explosion Partly Sinks Indian Naval Submarine|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/14/world/asia/explosion-partly-sinks-indian-naval-submarine.html?_r=0|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=14 August 2013}} The Club-S (3M54E1 anti-ship and 3M14E land attack) missiles, USHUS sonar, СCS-MK-2 radio communication systems and Porpoise radio-locating radar, and other safety-enhancing features were incorporated. The submarine was handed back to the Indian Navy on 27 January 2013, after which it sailed back to India, under Commander Rajesh Ramkumar. This was the first time an Indian submarine had navigated under ice.{{cite news|title=Sindhurakshak Set|url=http://rusembassy.in/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4739%3Asindhurakshak-set&catid=16%3Apress-on-bilateral-relations&lang=en|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=Russian Embassy, India|date=27 June 2012}}{{cite news|title=Zvezdochka Ship Repair Delivers Upgraded Submarine Sindhurakshak to Indian Navy|url=http://navaltoday.com/2013/02/01/zvezdochka-ship-repair-delivers-upgraded-submarine-sindhurakshak-to-indian-navy/|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=Naval Today|date=1 February 2013}}

File:INS Sindhurakshak (S63)-8edited.jpg, UK, where it was berthed on its way to India after the mid-life overhaul]]

In March 2013, while returning from the refit, Sindhurakshak encountered severe storms in the Mediterranean Sea when it was travelling near Alexandria. This was part of the submarine's extensive three-month-long deployment, where it traveled 10,000 miles.{{cite news|title=Russian-Built Submarine Catches Fire in Mumbai, Sailors Feared Dead|url=http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/russian-built-submarine-catches-fire-in-mumbai-sailors-feared-dead/484561.html|access-date=16 August 2013|newspaper=The Moscow Times|date=15 August 2013}} The severity of the storms prevented the Alexandria port authorities from sending a tugboat, and the shallow waters prevented the submarine from diving. An emergency call was placed via the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to the Egyptian Navy, which sent its latest tugboats and towed the submarine to Port Said.{{cite news|title=Egyptian Navy rescued Sindhurakshak in April|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/egyptian-navy-rescued-sindhurakshak-in-april/1155709/|access-date=15 August 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=15 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=Indian submarine INS Sindhurakshak in distress gets Egyptian help|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-27/news/39557430_1_submarine-sindhurakshak-russian-kilo-class|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715004235/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-05-27/news/39557430_1_submarine-sindhurakshak-russian-kilo-class|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2013|access-date=15 August 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=27 May 2013}}

On 14 August 2013, the Sindhurakshak sank after explosions caused by a fire on board when the submarine was berthed at Mumbai. The fire, followed by a series of ordnance blasts on the armed submarine, occurred shortly after midnight. Though the fire was put out within two hours, due to damage from the explosions, the submarine sank and was partially submerged in 15 metres deep water at its berth, with only a portion of the sail visible above the water surface.{{cite news|title=International help to salvage sunken submarine|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/international-help-to-salvage-sunken-submarine-113081900991_1.html|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=20 August 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/ins-sindhurakshak-submarine-submerges-after-explosion/3209-1.html |title=PHOTOS: INS Sindhurakshak submarine submerges after explosion Photo Gallery, Picture News Gallery |work=The Indian Express|access-date=2013-08-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818082158/http://www.indianexpress.com/picture-gallery/ins-sindhurakshak-submarine-submerges-after-explosion/3209-1.html |archive-date=18 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=INS Sindhurakshak fire set off torpedoes causing minor damage to INS Sindhuratna; fate of 18 sailors on board, Initial immediate Salvage was conducted by Grafftech Marine & Engineering Pvt Ltd, a registered marine firm with the Indian Navy for providing diving & dredging services, the Salvage operation was headed as an joint military operations by Capt. Varun Singh MARCOS OIC CCDT & Dypt CEO (Salvage Expert) - Harish Naidu under the continued monitoring of INS VAJRABAHU IMMEDIATE BASE-HQ for ekm submarines, HQWNC, CCDT (Command clearance diving team) HQ-WNC (Headquarters Western Naval Command), initial cadaver were salvaged in multiple parts.|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1874239/report-ins-sindhurakshak-fire-set-off-torpedoes-causing-minor-damage-to-ins-sindhuratna-fate-of-18-sailors-on-board-uncertain|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=DNA India|date=14 August 2013}} Three sailors on board reportedly jumped off to safety. Navy divers were also brought in as there was a possibility that 18 personnel were trapped inside and Defence Minister A. K. Antony confirmed that there were fatalities.{{cite web|title=India's defence minister confirms deaths on submarine|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-08-14/indias-defence-minister-confirms-deaths-on-submarine/|publisher=ITV|access-date=14 August 2013}} Other sources stated that a small explosion occurred around midnight which then triggered the two larger explosions.

Due to the explosion, the front section of the submarine was twisted, bent and crumpled, and water had entered the forward compartment. Another submarine, {{INS|Sindhughosh|S55|6}} was berthed very close to Sindhurakshak in the congested Mumbai naval dockyard; and sustained minor fire damage, though the navy did not release details of the extent of damage.{{cite news|title=Divers reach front cabin |url= http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130819/jsp/nation/story_17246221.jsp#.UhM8HZIwemo|archive-url= https://archive.today/20130820101451/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130819/jsp/nation/story_17246221.jsp%23.UhM8HZIwemo|url-status= dead|archive-date= 20 August 2013|access-date=20 August 2013|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=19 August 2013}} Sindhurakshak's double hull was credited with preventing further damage to surrounding vessels.{{cite news|title=INS Sindhurakshak tragedy: Submarine's twin hulls contained fire, reduced losses|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ins-sindhurakshak-tragedy-submarines-twin-hulls-contained-fire-reduced-losses/1155858/0|access-date=16 August 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=16 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=INS Sindhurakshak: A Sindhughosh-class submarine with latest weapons|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ins-sindhurakshak-a-sindhughosh-class-submarine-with-latest-weapons/414168-3-237.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817150918/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ins-sindhurakshak-a-sindhughosh-class-submarine-with-latest-weapons/414168-3-237.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 August 2013|access-date=14 August 2013|newspaper=IBN Live|date=14 August 2013}} Official sources at the time said it was "highly unlikely" the submarine could be returned to service. The navy planned to begin salvage operations after the rescue operation was completed.{{cite news|title=INS Sindurakshak: Indian Navy mulls over roping in Singapore firm for salvage|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1875060/report-ins-sindurakshak-indian-navy-mulls-over-roping-in-singapore-firm-for-salvage|access-date=16 August 2013|newspaper=DNA India|date=16 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=INS Sindhurakshak: Indian navy's submarine woes|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23691558|access-date=14 August 2013|publisher=BBC News|date=14 August 2013}} By 19 August, seven bodies had been recovered, with 11 still missing.{{cite news|title=Seventh body recovered from INS Sindhurakshak|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/seventh-body-recovered-from-ins-sindhurakshak/article5038510.ece?homepage=true|access-date=23 August 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=19 August 2013}}{{cite news|title=INS Sindhurakshak: Sixth body recovered, divers continue search in zero visibility|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/ins-sindhurakshak-sixth-body-recovered-divers-continue-search-in-zero-visibility/1156746/|access-date=23 August 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=18 August 2013}}{{cite web|title=Navy divers recover 5 bodies from Indian submarine INS Sindhurakshak| date=17 August 2013 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/08/17/world/asia/india-submarine-disaster/index.html?eref=edition|publisher=CNN|access-date=17 August 2013}} On 31 August, six of the eleven recovered bodies had been identified and sent home for last rites with military honours.{{cite news|last=PTI|title=Sindhurakshak tragedy: Six bodies to be sent to hometowns|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/sindhurakshak-tragedy-six-bodies-to-be-sent-to-hometowns_873112.html|access-date=31 August 2013|newspaper=Zee News|date=31 August 2013}}

The Navy's preliminary report indicated that "an accident or inadvertent mishandling of ammunition" was the cause of the explosions; the full incident report would only be completed after the submarine was raised.{{cite news|title=Forget salvaging sunk sub INS Sindhurakshak, Navy yet to float tender|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1893477/report-forget-salvaging-sunk-sub-ins-sindhurakshak-navy-yet-to-float-tender|access-date=16 October 2013|newspaper=DNA India|date=25 September 2013}}{{cite news|title=Navy's probe into submarine INS Sindhurakshak tragedy nowhere near completion|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navys-probe-into-submarine-INS-Sindhurakshak-tragedy-nowhere-near-completion/articleshow/22768774.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922083621/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-19/india/42217465_1_sindhurakshak-tragedy-ins-sindhurakshak-hdw|url-status=live|archive-date=22 September 2013|access-date=16 October 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=19 September 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Nazakat|first1=Syed|last2=Dasgupta|first2=Anupam|title='Sub'dued|url=http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?programId=1073754900&contentId=16287597|access-date=10 March 2014|newspaper=The Week|date=3 March 2014}} The salvage contract was awarded on 31 January 2014 to Resolve India, a subsidiary of the US-based Resolve Marine Group.{{cite news|last=Narayan|first=V|title=Indian arm of US company wins Sindhurakshak salvage bid|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-arm-of-US-company-wins-Sindhurakshak-salvage-bid/articleshow/30312587.cms|access-date=10 March 2014|newspaper=The Times of India|date=13 February 2014}} The submarine was brought to the surface on 6 June 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/us-firm-salvages-ins-sindhurakshak-out-of-water-1559715.html|title=US firm salvages INS Sindhurakshak out of water|publisher=Firstpost|date=6 June 2014}} In December 2014, a naval court of inquiry arrived at the preliminary conclusion that human error as a result of crew fatigue caused the disaster. A senior officer stated that "the crew was working beyond their prescribed hours. Fatigue and exhaustion may have triggered human error that led to the accident. Standard operating procedures were violated at several levels".{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai/tired-crew-may-have-caused-mishap-on-ins-sindhurakshak/article1-1294592.aspx|title=Tired crew may have caused mishap on INS Sindhurakshak|work=Hindustan Times|date=9 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222102939/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mumbai/tired-crew-may-have-caused-mishap-on-ins-sindhurakshak/article1-1294592.aspx|archive-date=22 December 2014}} A 2017 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India quoted the Navy's Board of Inquiry stating that "Submarine authorities concerned didn’t properly assess the crew fatigue, besides, the submarine was holding ammunition nearing life expiry".{{cite news |title=Indian Navy likely to appoint inspector general to ensure safety of warships |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-likely-to-appoint-inspector-general-to-ensure-safety-of-warships/story-U0YGHp3eZ6BHCdKEd9Sp4H.html |access-date=20 July 2018 |work=Hindustan Times|date=20 July 2018 |language=en}}

Initially, the navy was hopeful of using Sindhurakshak after it was salvaged, but on Navy Day 2015, Vice Admiral Cheema confirmed the Sindhurakshak would be disposed of.{{cite news|last1=Mumbai|title=Submarine Sindhurakshak to be disposed of soon: Vice Admiral|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/submarine-sindhurakshak-to-be-disposed-of-soon-vice-admiral/|access-date=9 March 2016|work=The Indian Express|date=4 December 2015}}{{cite news|title=Indian Navy hopeful of using submarine that sank|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-hopeful-of-using-submarine-that-sank/article1-1158679.aspx?hts0021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204213715/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-hopeful-of-using-submarine-that-sank/article1-1158679.aspx?hts0021|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 December 2013|access-date=3 December 2013|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=3 December 2013}}{{cite news|title=Possible reuse of Sindhurakshak being explored|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/possible-reuse-of-sindhurakshak-being-explored/article5418750.ece|access-date=3 December 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=3 December 2013}} After a period of use for the training of marine commandos, the submarine was sunk in 3000 metres of water in the Arabian Sea in June 2017.{{cite news|last1=Singh|first1=Rahul|title=Defunct submarine Sindhurakshak finally disposed of|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/defunct-submarine-sindhurakshak-finally-disposed-of/story-bl7tSFcovB2uW1UzxIlqxK.html|access-date=11 September 2017|work=Hindustan Times|date=10 July 2017|location=New Delhi}}{{cite news|last1=Rajput|first1=Rashmi|title=Navy sinks 'graveyard' INS Sindhurakshak|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-sinks-graveyard-ins-sindhurakshak-4828999/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904233356/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-sinks-graveyard-ins-sindhurakshak-4828999/|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2017|access-date=11 September 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=5 September 2017}}

• List of submarine incidents since 2000

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/414142/watch-footage-of-the-explosions-fire-on-submarine-ins-sindhurakshak.html Footage of the 2013 explosions on Sindhurakshak] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817151045/http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/414142/watch-footage-of-the-explosions-fire-on-submarine-ins-sindhurakshak.html |date=17 August 2013 }}
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-23691558 INS Sindhurakshak: Indian navy's submarine woes]

• [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-03QGqAdg0/Ugub-HckfMI/AAAAAAAAUzI/5V800GqOVkE/s1600/DPR_8298-734562.JPG INS Sindhurakshak sunk at berth]
• [http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sn5U7fwWGf4/Ugub_f15yiI/AAAAAAAAUzU/SbD9O0AAwhE/s1600/DPR_8325-739118.JPG Rescue operation being carried out]
• [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MIJB31zIs94/UgucAOMkg2I/AAAAAAAAUzg/pCrAizcPdiU/s1600/DPR_8365-743534.JPG Defence minister A K Antony (second from left) with Chief of Naval Staff D K Doshi (in uniform)]

{{Kilo class submarine |state=collapsed}}

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