New Delhi: INS Sindhurakshak sank four months ago following a deadly explosion and fire in Mumbai but navy divers are still looking for bodies of missing sailors in the wreckage of the warship.
On August 14, a huge explosion rocked the Russian-made Kilo-class submarine, commissioned in 1997, leading to the frontline warship's sinking in what was seen as a major dent in the Indian Navy's firepower capability.
Eighteen Navy personnel, including three officers, were on board at the time of the mishap. Till now only 11 bodies have been recovered.
Now Centre and experts from the Indian Navy have shortlisted three foreign marine salvage operating companies in order to lift the sunken sub out of the water.
The salvage operation is estimated to cost around Rs 500 crore and it will also take time to complete the entire exercise as 90 per cent of the ordnance on the vessel is still intact.
