UPDATE 2: Divers Enter Blast-Hit INS Sindhurakshak

Divers of the Indian Navy have managed to enter diesel-electric submarine INS Sindhurakshak that sank partially having been hit by twin blasts caused by an explosion shortly after midnight on 14 August 2013, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, the Associated Press reports.

Nevertheless, the divers still haven’t reached any of the potential crew survivors that were trapped inside the sub when the explosions occurred.

India’s Defence Minister A. K. Antony, who was rushed to Mumbai in the aftermath of the accident, extended his deepest condolences at a press conference held yesterday to the Navy along with the family members of the sailors trapped in the submarine.

Efforts are under way to ascertain the safety of the personnel and salvage of the submarine.

The explosion, which was accompanied by two simultaneous blasts is said to have occurred in the torpedo compartment, therefore 18 personnel on board are feared to be dead.

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Naval Today Staff, August 15, 2013