Indian Navy has successfully concluded the maiden trial of its DSRV (deep submergence rescue vehicle), which is a new capability for the force which has lost a diesel electric Kilo class submarine Sindhrakshak (Protector of Seas) off Mumbai coast in August 2013 in a tragic accident.
The rescue vehicle is operated by a three member team can rescue 14 personnel from a disabled submarine at one time.
On Monday, the rescue vehicle carried out under water mating with a bottomed submarine, at over 300 feet depth.
A submerged submarine of Indian Navy.
After successful mating the rescue vehicle opened its hatches and the submarine hatches and carried out transfer of personnel from the submarine to the vehicle.
Indian Navy: “These sea trials have proven the newly inducted DSRV’s ability to undertake rescue operations from disabled submarines at sea and has provided the Indian Navy with a critical capability.”
Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle of Indian Navy.
During the trials the rescue vehicle also successfully dived to a depth of 666 meters which is a record for deepest submergence by a ‘manned vessel’ in Indian waters.
The rescue vehicle crew has also carried out ROV operations at over 750 metres and side scan sonar operations at a depth of over 650 metres, which are all ‘firsts’ for the Indian Navy.
A sailor reaches the rescue vehicle.
Indian Navy: “Ongoing trials would also include air transportation of the system by the Indian Air Force’s heavy-lift transport aircraft.”
Completion of the trials will put the Indian Navy into a small league of world navies that have integral submarine rescue capability.
