Submarine mishap: Sailor’s family hopeful of his return

Ms. Sharma, mother of Atul Sharma (inset), a sailor who is feared dead in INS Sindhurakshak mishap on Friday.

Four days after a series of explosions rocked INS Sindhurakshak in Mumbai, the family of a sailor on board the ill-fated submarine, was in a state of shock but hopeful of his return.

The family members of 22-year-old Atul Sharma, who was among 18 personnel, were planning to celebrate his birthday here in Amritsar on Friday.

Atul’s father Hemraj, mother Sushma and sister Rashmi were under deep shock after hearing reports about the mishap.

The sailor’s younger brother Arun reached Mumbai in search of his brother, with strong hopes that Atul would return home safely, a family member told reporters here.

In one of the worst disasters to have struck the Indian Navy, a series of explosions rocked the Russian-made Kilo class submarine on the midnight of August 13, sinking it partially in the shallow sea.