Mumbai Naval Dockyard:Â India has confirmed the deaths of sailors trapped on board one of its leading Russia-made submarines, INS Sindhurakshak, which sank soon after getting gutted in a major fire triggered by multiple explosions at Mumbai’ s naval dockyard in the early hours.
“I feel sad about those Navy personnel who lost their lives for the country. I have briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the fire. I am just now going to Mumbai to see and get the details there,” Defense Minister A.K. Antony told the media in the national capital.
At least 18 sailors are said to be trapped inside the submarine while those injured in the explosions and managed to jump off the vessel have been admitted to a nearby floating naval hospital.
Experts say that the explosion onboard INS Sindhurakshak was caused by a technical problem when the vessel was charging its battery and later triggered the explosion of a torpedo the submarine was carrying.
Mumbai: A Huge Explosion and subsequent fire on Indian Navy Submarine INS Sindhurakshak S63 in the midnight hours of 14th August has left at least 18 people missing on board.
Update: The Indian Navy has Confirmed that INS Sindhurakshak has drowned along with the 15 Sailors and 3 Officers on board. This is the worst peace time Naval Disaster for India.
The File Photo of INS Sindhurakshak S63 Submarine of Indian Navy
According to Indian Navy Statement, Â Fire tenders from the Naval Dockyard as well as the Mumbai Fire Brigade were immediately pressed into action. However, due to as yet unknown damage suffered as a result of the explosion, the submarine has submerged at her berth with only a portion visible above the surface.
About 18 persons were on board the submarine at the time of the accident and efforts are on to ascertain the safety of the personnel and salvage of the submarine. A Board of Inquiry is being instituted to investigate into the causes of the accident.
Independent sources  reveal that  Many sailors on board the submarine reportedly jumped off to safety.
According to Media Reports, some injured sailors have been rushed to naval hospital INHS Ashvini in Colaba. However, the exact cause of the explosion and blaze, as well as the extent of damage to the submarine and naval properties, is still not known.
The blast was first heard ashore by deputy chief fire office P.S. Rahandale who was on leave and attending a private engagement near the Gateway of India promenade. He immediately alerted the fire brigade and other emergency services.
At least 16 fire tenders of Mumbai Fire Brigade and Mumbai Port Trust were rushed to assist the naval fire brigade to douse the conflagration, the smoke emanating from which could be seen in many parts of south Mumbai.
A fire brigade official said that around 3 a.m., the blaze had been brought under control and prevented from spreading to other vessels docked in the vicinity.
In February 2012 also, a fire broke out aboard INS Sindhurakshak while she was in Visakhapatnam. One sailor was killed and two others injured. Navy officials reported that the fire had been caused by an explosion in the submarine’s battery compartment.