The Indian Navy has initiated court-martial proceedings against two senior officers for operational lapses and negligence that led to the partial capsizing of the guided-missile frigate INS Brahmaputra at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai two years ago.
The trial—which commenced in Mumbai on October 12, 2026—involves the warship’s Commanding Officer (a Captain) and the Officer of the Day (a Lieutenant Commander).
Charges and Court-Martial Details
According to naval officials, the proceedings follow a detailed naval inquiry into safety breaches during repair operations:
- Commanding Officer Charges: The Captain (equivalent in rank to an Army Colonel) faces charges of hazarding a naval vessel—putting a ship in danger—and failure of duty.
- Junior Officer Charges: The Lieutenant Commander faces charges of operational negligence.
- Potential Penalties: If convicted, the officers could face disciplinary action ranging from formal reprimands and loss of seniority to up to two years of imprisonment.
The 2024 Mishap and Casualty
The 3,850-tonne indigenously built warship tipped over onto its side in July 2024 following a major fire onboard during refitting. As firefighting personnel deployed heavy volumes of water to subdue the blaze, the vessel listing severely and capsized alongside the berth.
- Fatality: Leading Seaman Sitendra Singh lost his life by drowning during the emergency evacuation.
- Restoration Progress: Following months of complex salvage operations to right the hull, INS Brahmaputra has completed major structural repairs, is currently undergoing sea trials, and is expected to re-enter operational service next year.
Fleet-Wide Safety Reform
In response to the incident, the Indian Navy established a specialized Task Force led by a Rear Admiral to review safety and refit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Revised protocols governing dockyard fire safety, water-pumping limits, and emergency watchkeeping have since been deployed across all naval commands.
