The Indian Navy has sought foreign experts to assess the damage and repair the Brahmaputra warship as the repair process remains challenging after two months damaged in fire.
People familiar with the matter told India Today that the Brahmaputra’s repairs may take longer than initially expected. Experts believe it could take more than a year before the ship is seaworthy again.
Due to water accumulation during firefighting operations, the hull always tilted toward the shore, making it extremely heavy and difficult to stand upright. According to officials, specialized mechanical and technical experts are needed to rectify the situation.
A team of international experts The vessel has been inspectedBut the salvage process remains challenging due to the excessive weight of the ship due to water intrusion.
The fire broke out on July 21 during renovations at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard, causing severe damage to the 24-year-old warship. Although the fire was extinguished, the incident unfortunately claimed the life of a sailor. The U.S. Navy has yet to provide an official update on the progress of the salvage operation, but it expects repair and recovery work to take a long time.
The navy is working closely with foreign agencies to ensure the ship is returned to service as soon as possible, but the extensive damage will require painstaking repairs, the source added.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi had earlier visited Mumbai to review the situation and stressed the importance of restoring the seaworthiness and combat readiness of the Brahmaputra. The Navy has also formed a task force, headed by a rear admiral, to review safety and security protocols across naval operations.
The Western Naval Command is overseeing the salvage and restoration of Brahmaputra, which is in the final stages of refit before resuming duties as part of the Western Fleet.