The Indian Navy submarine INS Sindhurakshak caught fire after an explosion and sank at naval dockyard in Mumbai late last night. However, 18 personnel including three officers on board are still missing. A Defence spokesperson gave this information to the media.

An explosion resulting in a major fire took place on board INS Sindhurakshak, a Kilo class submarine of the Indian Navy, shortly after midnight. Due to the explosion, the submarine has submerged at the dock with only a portion visible above the surface. Efforts are on to ascertain the safety of the personnel and salvage the submarine.

The submarine had returned after a major upgrade programme in Russia 3 to 4 months ago. Navy sources said that INS Sindhurakshak was not on active duty at the time of the accident.