An Indian fishing vessel, Marthoma, carrying a crew of 13 collided with a Scorpene-class submarine off the Goa coast, officials confirmed today.

The Indian Navy has launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying six ships and aircraft. While 11 crew members have been rescued, efforts are underway to locate the two who remain missing.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the collision occurred approximately 70 nautical miles from the Goa coast. “Search and rescue efforts for the remaining two are underway and are being coordinated with Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mumbai (MRCC). Additional assets, including those from the Coast Guard, have been diverted to the area to augment the efforts,” the statement said.

The ministry added that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. 

The Scorpene-class submarines, integral to India’s naval capabilities, are equipped for a variety of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine-laying, and area surveillance. Known for their advanced stealth features, these submarines employ cutting-edge acoustic silencing technologies, low noise emission levels, and optimized hydrodynamic design.

They are capable of launching precision-guided attacks using torpedoes or tube-launched anti-ship missiles, both while submerged and on the surface, making them a formidable force in the Indian Ocean.