INS Sindhughosh is reported have to collided with a merchant ship damaging some part of conning tower. INS Sindhughosh was taking part in Fleet Level war games and was at periscope level. While the speculation is that the indigenously developed sonar “USHUS” malfunctioned, it could be yet another attack on indigenous equipment as per the current trend. At periscope level, a sonar is definitely switched on to detect range and bearing of other objects around. So when the sonar operator yells out a particular bearing of an object, the periscope operator confirms back the deviation or accuracy. Normally Sonar accuracy always differs from the actual location of the object by some degrees and distance. Its perfectly normal situation. Baring periscope, the sensors of the submarine should be safe as they are located on fins and on the bottom part of the submarine hull.

First of all the crew of INS Sindhughosh had a miraculous escape as the accident was caused at surface level. The reports of structural damage is a cause of concern. Normally the submarine has two hulls. But any damage to structure means checking the entire review of the whole structure. Even if one steel bar has a weakness, the submarine will face adverse conditions at 250 meters below sea level.

The second ramification is the absence of a Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The Canadian contract for a DSRV is under investigation of corruption. Indian Navy has not purchased another one. It is a wake up call. The status of India-U.S. agreement for Submarine rescue is not yet clear.

The third ramification is the standard operation procedure (SOP) followed for the same. There was another incident in the past when and Indian Navy Foxtrot submarine surfaced below INS Rana causing INS Rana to operate without one propeller for years to come.

The fourth ramification will be the loss of a experienced captain. In the last accident the Foxtrot captain’s further service was curtailed.

Fifth ramification is that INS Sindhughosh was equipped with Klub Missiles for both ant-ship and anti-land roles. It will create an operational void. The brownie point is that Klub Missiles are not anyway not able to find their target when launched and the issue is not rectified.

Sixth and the most important ramification is the Submarine arm of Indian Navy is shrinking at alarming rate. Indian Navy will have one submarine less for another few years to come.

Update: INS Sindhughosh sailed back to sea after 3 months of the accident and it was revealed that the merchant ship hit the Submarine and not vice versa.