Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar, who led a high-risk rescue and recovery operation aboard a severely damaged LPG tanker in the Gulf of Aden, has been recommended for the Shaurya Chakra for displaying exceptional courage and devotion to duty.
Kumar was serving as the NBCD Officer onboard INS Trikand when the warship was directed on October 18, 2025, to assist MT Falcon, a Cameroon-flagged LPG tanker that had suffered a catastrophic explosion and major fire while transiting through the Houthi Attack Zone.
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HIGH-RISK OPERATION IN HOUTHI ATTACK ZONE
The explosion left the tanker severely damaged and adrift, with a fire sustained by a continuing LPG leak. Two Indian crew members were reported missing and believed to be trapped onboard.
When INS Trikand reached the vicinity, the tanker was assessed to pose an extreme threat. The vessel was carrying a large quantity of highly volatile LPG, while its compartments were filled with explosive vapours, toxic smoke and oxygen-deficient air.
The operation was further complicated by the possibility of hostile action in the Houthi Attack Zone. The explosion had also warped bulkheads, weakened decks and obstructed passageways with debris, raising the risk of structural collapse and entrapment.
OFFICER ENTERED BURNING, GAS-FILLED COMPARTMENTS
Despite being fully aware of the risks of fatal burns, blast injuries, suffocation, entrapment or a secondary LPG explosion, Kumar voluntarily led the operation.
He repeatedly entered the burning and gas-filled compartments of the tanker, guiding his team through smoke-filled passageways, confined spaces and severely damaged sections of the vessel where visibility was extremely poor.
During the operation, Kumar continuously carried out technical and risk assessments as conditions onboard deteriorated. His assessments enabled critical decisions and helped the team continue the mission despite the danger.
LED SEARCH FOR MISSING CREW MEMBERS
Kumar also spearheaded repeated high-risk internal searches to locate the missing crew members.
Despite prolonged exposure to toxic gases, intense heat, physical exhaustion and the constant threat of a secondary explosion, he personally supervised and participated in the recovery of the dismembered and decomposed mortal remains from severely damaged compartments.
He ensured that the remains were recovered safely and with dignity, despite the exceptionally hazardous conditions.
RECOMMENDED FOR SHAURYA CHAKRA
The recommendation describes Kumar’s actions as displaying “most conspicuous gallantry”, extraordinary courage and unwavering devotion to duty in circumstances where catastrophic explosion, structural collapse and fatal fire remained imminent threats.
His leadership and professional competence were credited with enabling the successful completion of an extraordinarily hazardous rescue and recovery operation.
The recommendation said his actions, undertaken far beyond the normal call of duty and at immense personal risk, brought immense credit to him and enhanced the image of the Indian Navy as a capable and dependable maritime force operating under demanding circumstances.
Lieutenant Commander Shivam Kumar has consequently been recommended for the Shaurya Chakra for his gallantry during the operation.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
