Nearly two years after INS Brahmaputra suffered a fire and capsized during repairs at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, the Indian Navy has started court-martial proceedings against two officers linked to the incident. The case began in Mumbai on 12 October 2026, and both officers are facing allegations of negligence in the performance of their duties. The commanding officer, a captain, is also charged with hazarding a naval vessel.
What Happened on 21 July 2024
The accident took place on the evening of 21 July 2024 while INS Brahmaputra was under refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. A fire broke out on board, after which the ship’s crew, dockyard firefighters, and help from nearby vessels worked to bring it under control by the morning of 22 July. According to the report, the large quantity of water used to fight the fire affected the frigate’s stability, causing a severe port-side list before it toppled onto its side alongside the berth.
Most of the personnel were able to leave through the gangway, while some jumped into the water and swam to safety. Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh, who was involved in the repair work, went missing during the incident. His body was recovered on 24 July after intensive diving operations, and the Navy expressed condolences to his family.
About INS Brahmaputra
INS Brahmaputra is the lead ship of its class of indigenous guided-missile frigates. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, it was commissioned in April 2000. The ship is approximately 125 metres long and 16 metres in beam, and it has a complement of about 370 personnel, including 40 officers.
Inquiry, Review, and Safety Measures
A board of inquiry led by a Rear Admiral-rank officer examined the incident. Then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi also set up a special task force under a rear admiral to review shipboard safety, security, and operating procedures across naval commands, establishments, and units. The recommendations of that task force were circulated and implemented to strengthen safeguards during repairs and maintenance.
The report does not spell out the exact actions or omissions that led to the charges. The court-martial is expected to examine the officers’ responsibility for the fire, the loss of stability, and the fatality that followed.
Repairs and Current Status
Salvage work to right the frigate continued for several months. By late 2024, the ship had been brought upright and moved to dry dock. Repairs have since been completed, and the vessel is currently undergoing trials. Officials have said it has not yet been formally returned to operational service and is expected to become seaworthy sometime in 2027.
Possible Punishment and Wider Context
If the officers are convicted by the court-martial, the punishments could range from reprimand and loss of seniority to imprisonment for up to two years. A Navy spokesperson has said that establishing the cause, fixing responsibility, and introducing safeguards are necessary to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The 2024 accident came after a similar mishap involving INS Betwa, another frigate that capsized at the same Mumbai dockyard in 2016 after slipping from dock blocks. The Navy has repeatedly stressed the need for strict oversight during refits of complex warships, especially because water used in firefighting can quickly change a ship’s stability if it is not carefully managed.
