Vishakhapatnam: The Indian Navy’s INS Kesari water ingress incident has raised concerns after water entered the naval vessel while it was stationed at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on October 31, 2026. Fortunately, no injuries or loss of life have been reported. The Indian Navy has started pumping out the water from the affected compartments and will initiate a formal inquiry to find the exact cause of the incident.
INS Kesari Suffers Water Ingress At Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard
Visakhapatnam, November 1, 2026: The Indian Navy confirmed that water entered INS Kesari on the afternoon of October 31, 2026.
At the time of the incident, the naval ship was berthed at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Defence, no injuries or loss of life have been reported so far.
The Navy has started operations to remove the water from the affected compartments. The situation is also being closely monitored by naval authorities.
Indian Navy To Investigate The Cause Of INS Kesari Water Ingress
The Indian Navy has announced that a formal inquiry will be initiated to determine the exact reason behind the water ingress incident.
The authorities have not yet disclosed how much water entered the vessel or what caused the incident.
The investigation is expected to help establish the circumstances behind the unwanted entry of water into the ship. Meanwhile, pumping operations are continuing to manage the situation and remove the accumulated water.
What Is INS Kesari
INS Kesari is a Shardul-class tank landing ship (large) operated by the Indian Navy. The vessel was commissioned into the Indian Navy on April 5, 2008. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
The ship is approximately 125 metres long and has a displacement of around 5,650 tonnes. INS Kesari is designed to perform several important naval operations, including:
- Amphibious Operations: Supporting military operations near coastal areas.
- Troop Transportation: Carrying naval personnel and military equipment.
- Military Logistics: Transporting vehicles, supplies and other essential materials.
- Humanitarian Assistance: Supporting relief operations during natural disasters.
- Disaster Relief: Delivering essential supplies and assistance to affected communities.
INS Kesari’s Role In India’s Humanitarian Missions
INS Kesari has also contributed to India’s humanitarian assistance efforts in the Indian Ocean region. In May 2020, the ship participated in Mission Sagar, an Indian Navy initiative to provide assistance to friendly countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under this mission, India delivered essential supplies and medical assistance to several countries, including the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. The mission highlighted the Indian Navy’s role in providing humanitarian support beyond India’s maritime borders.
What Happens Next After The INS Kesari Water Ingress Incident
The immediate priority for the Indian Navy is to remove the water from the affected compartments and monitor the ship’s condition.
The formal inquiry will examine the circumstances behind the incident and establish its exact cause. Further details about the extent of the water ingress, possible damage to the vessel and the investigation findings are awaited.
The incident also highlights the importance of regular maintenance, technical inspections and safety measures for naval vessels.
Read also: Indian Navy Gets Major Boost With These Advanced Weapons from Recent Defence Procurement
FAQs
The exact cause of the water ingress has not been confirmed. The Indian Navy will initiate a formal inquiry to investigate the incident.
Water entered Indian Navy ship INS Kesari on October 31, 2026, while it was berthed at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. No injuries or loss of life were reported.
INS Kesari is a Shardul-class tank landing ship. It supports amphibious military operations, transports troops and equipment, and participates in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
