Rescuers are yet to reach any of the crew who were on board when two huge explosions led to a devastating² fire early on Wednesday.

 

Officials say they have been hampered³ by poor visibility, restricted space and equipment displaced by the blasts.

 

The divers are also working to bring the vessel⁴ back to surface. 

 

India's navy chief has warned the country to "prepare for the worst". 

 

It is not clear what caused the blasts on the diesel⁵ and electricity-powered INS Sindhurakshak. An inquiry⁶ is under way and sabotage⁷（破坏，怠工） has not been ruled out, although officials say that looks unlikely at this stage.

 

Officials say divers aboard the submarine are working around the clock in difficult conditions. 

 

The vessel is filled with sea-water and the heat of the explosion also melted parts of the internal hull⁸, deforming⁹ the submarine hatches and preventing access to compartments¹⁰. 

 

Heavy duty pumps are being used to pump out water in order to help refloat the vessel. 

 

 

As India marked Independence Day, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed sorrow: "We are deeply pained that we lost the submarine INS Sindurakshak in an accident yesterday. Eighteen brave sailors are feared to have lost their lives," he said.

 

The prime minister said it was all the more painful considering the navy's recent successes in launching a home-built submarine and acquiring a nuclear submarine.

 

Correspondents say that India has steadily¹¹ developed its naval¹² capabilities¹³ in recent years, motivated by its rivalry¹⁴ with neighbouring China, but not without setbacks.

 

Two huge explosions took place on board the INS Sindhurakshak after midnight on Tuesday. Firefighters spent four hours putting out the ensuing blaze.

 

Dramatic images on Indian television showed a large fireball illuminating¹⁵ the sky. Smoke from the blaze could be seen in many parts of the city. Many sailors managed to jump to safety after the blast and some were taken to hospital. 

 

The Russian-built vessel had recently been upgraded at a cost of $80m (£52m) and it may have been armed with missiles and torpedoes¹⁶.

 

Russian firm Zvyozdochka, which refitted the submarine, said the vessel had been fully¹⁷ operational when it was returned to India in January. 

 

On Wednesday Indian Defence Minister AK Antony visited the site. Describing the events as a "shocking tragedy", he offered his condolences to relatives of those who may have perished.

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