Submarine mishap: Naval chief rules out sabotage

[1]

 
Mumbai: Chief of Naval staff Admiral D.K. Joshi on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of sabotage on board of the ill-fated INS Sindhurakshak.
There are no indicators that point out to a sabotage, he told mediapersons after Defence Minister A.K. Antony visited the mishap site.
On the possible causes, Admiral Joshi said there was a primary explosion which was followed by another major one. Initial evidence indicates that there was an explosion in the armament room. “What caused this explosion has to be determined,” he added while ruling out a build up of hydrogen used to recharge the batteries. “The recharging of batteries had taken place three days ago,” he said.
Navy can bounce back: Experts
The Naval Chief said divers have been able to open the hatch which was fused with the hull due to the intense heat.
On survivors, he said he hoped for the best, but was prepared for the worst and added that there was no communication from the trapped navymen. An enquiry has been ordered and this would be completed in four weeks, he said.