GOA, 22 November 2024: An Indian fishing vessel carrying 13 crew members collided with an Indian Navy Scorpene-class submarine approximately 70 nautical miles off the coast of Goa, defense officials confirmed today.
Following the incident, the Indian Navy launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying six ships and aircraft. While 11 crew members from the vessel, Marthoma, have been rescued, efforts to locate the remaining two are ongoing.
“Search and rescue efforts for the remaining two are underway and are being coordinated with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mumbai (MRCC). Additional assets, including those from the Coast Guard, have been diverted to the area to support the operation,” the Ministry of Defence stated.
The collision occurred under undisclosed circumstances, and authorities are yet to confirm details about how the fishing vessel came into contact with the naval submarine. The incident underscores the risks posed by busy maritime activity along India’s western coast.
The Navy, alongside the MRCC and Coast Guard, continues to search the area, prioritizing the safe recovery of the missing crew while ensuring maritime safety in the region. Further details about the incident and its implications are awaited.
