Tragedy struck the Indian Navy today as the INS Brahmaputra, a guided missile frigate, suffered extensive damage due to a severe fire. The vessel, which is currently lying on its side, is feared to have lost one sailor, who remains missing.

The incident occurred early this morning while the ship was docked at the Mumbai Naval Dockyard. Initial reports suggest that the fire broke out in the engine room, quickly spreading to other parts of the ship. Despite the swift response from the onboard crew and dockyard emergency teams, the flames caused substantial damage to the vessel's structure.

The Indian Navy has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary assessments indicate that an electrical short circuit could be the potential cause, but officials are not ruling out other possibilities. "Our immediate priority is to account for all personnel and ensure their safety," said Vice Admiral Rajesh Pandey, commanding the Western Naval Command.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with naval divers and firefighters working tirelessly to stabilize the ship and search for the missing crew member.

INS Brahmaputra, a Brahmaputra-class frigate, has been a vital part of the Indian Navy's fleet since its commissioning in April 2000. Equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and sensors, the ship has played a crucial role in numerous naval operations, both domestically and internationally.