Date:07/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/07/stories/2008020759021200.htm

National

INS Jalashwa not to be sent back

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sureesh Mehta, has ruled out sending back INS Jalashwa to the U.S. following the death of five sailors due to the inhalation of toxic gas.

“It is an unfortunate incident. The board of inquiry is looking at how the concentration of gas came out from the compartment and why it leaked,” he said.

“The warship has been refurbished as per our specification and we do not need anything more on it,” the Navy chief told newspersons when asked whether the defects in the vessel could have led to the accident.

The ship vastly improves the ability of the Indian armed forces to land a large contingent of troops on coasts.