Two Navy officers face court-martial over 2024 INS Brahmaputra accident

The Indian Navy frigate ins brahmaputra is seen leaning to one side at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard on July 22, 2024. | Photo Credit: ANI (File Photo)

The Indian Navy has initiated a court-martial against two officers for alleged negligence that led to the partial capsize of the guided-missile frigate INS Brahmaputra at the Mumbai Naval Shipyard in July 2024, officials said.

A senior navy official confirmed that proceedings against the warship’s commanding officer, a captain, and his then officer, a lieutenant, began on October 12 in Mumbai. The captain faces charges of endangering a naval vessel and negligence in the performance of his duties, while a junior officer has been charged with negligence.

Conviction can carry penalties ranging from admonition and loss of seniority to imprisonment for up to two years.

The 3,850-ton frigate listed on its side after a fire broke out on deck while repairs were underway. The sailor, Chief Seaman Sitendra Singh, died after drowning during the incident. Several crew members escaped using the gangway, while others jumped into the water.

Current status

INS Brahmaputra has since been repaired and is undergoing trials. It is expected to be seaworthy next year, another official said. The recovery of the vessel involved months of effort to get it back upright.

After the mishap, then Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi set up a special task force under the leadership of a rear admiral to look into broader safety and security issues related to naval vessels. Her recommendations regarding security protocols and standard operating procedures were implemented across naval commands and installations.

The incident also revived concerns over an earlier accident involving INS Betwa, another Brahmaputra-class frigate, which capsized during repairs at a Mumbai shipyard in December 2016, killing two sailors and injuring 14.

Three officers were court-martialed over the Betwa incident and given a loss of seniority ranging from four to six months.

Published – 04 Nov 2026 21:53 IST