Date of Birth : Sep 01,1983
Birth place: Silchar,Assam
Service: Navy
Last Rank: PO UW I
Unit: INS Sindhurakshak
Date of Martyrdom : Aug 14, 2013
PO UW I Timothy Sinha
PO UW I Timothy Sinha hailed from Silchar town of South Assam. Son of Bidya Ratan Sinha and Mitra Chakraborty Sinha, Timothy had joined the Navy after graduating from Cachar College in his hometown Silchar. He joined the Navy and got trained as a submariner. He later became a junior commissioned officer of Indian Navy.
INS Sindhurakshak Accident: August 2013
On 14 Aug 2013, PO UW I Timothy Sinha was on-board INS Sindhurakshak, the 3000-tonne Kilo class submarine, powered by a combination of diesel generators and electric batteries. On that day, the submarine at Naval dockyard in Mumbai was rocked by a series of explosions and started sinking along with 18 crew members with 3 officers and 15 sailors.
It was an accident in the fully-loaded weapons compartment of INS Sindhurakshak that caused things to spiral out of control with some missile and torpedo warheads exploding in “sympathetic detonation”. The Kilo-class submarine, with a full complement of 18 missiles and torpedoes, was slated to head for “a long deployment patrol” on August 14 itself.
The Navy swung into action to rescue the trapped personnel however their struggle to save them became harder as the submarine was filled with muddy and murky water and the visibility was extremely poor. Due to water filling, an extremely restricted access was available and most of the equipment from their original locations were also displaced. The heat of the explosion had melted parts of the internal hull deforming the submarine hatches and prevented access to the compartments.
The Naval divers were able to prise open the conning tower, which was fused shut due to the heat of the blast, to enable rescuers to enter. Heavy duty pumps were used to pump out the water from the submarine however it took considerable time to locate the crews of the submarine. By 19th August 7 of 18 missing sailors’ bodies were recovered while another 6 were recovered by 31st of August. PO UW I Timothy Sinha was a dedicated and committed soldier who laid down his life in the service of the nation.
PO UW I Timothy Sinha is survived by his father Bidya Ratan Sinha, mother Mitra Chakraborty Sinha, sisters Eunice Sinha Pazanjiyil and Sumitra Sinha.
The family of PO UW I Timothy Sinha paid tribute on his “Day of Martyrdom” on 14 Aug 2018…
Father, Bidya Ratan Sinha – Though my son, Timothy left this world five years ago, I still feel his presence close to my heart. He was a friend to me and continues to be so even today. When sometimes going is tough and situations make me tense, I give up and remember my son for help; sure enough, it comes within no time, giving me the subtle experience of his care and love. He was a good soul, loved and respected by everyone, who came in contact with him. One Naval officer, who accompanied Timothy’s tri-color wrapped the body and his belongings to our home, told us later that he experienced a very divine feeling in carrying his uniform in the plastic wrap. He still keeps a piece of that plastic wrap with him as a holy symbol and ‘Raksha Kavach’ in his pocket. Timothy, I am sure you know that you are and will always remain my ‘Raksha Kavach’ as long as I live……
Mother, Mitra Chakraborty Sinha – I feel sometimes that apart from prayers and being concerned, I could not do much for him to support his career or education. However, he sacrificed enough for the family, gave so much, and yet received so little. He was a wonderful son and proved to be the true son of his motherland too. As if he had an inkling of the coming event, he had come near to me during his last visit and requested me not to cry if something happens to him in future. He asked me to serve a wedding feast at his memorial service, as he would not like anyone to mourn his death. I did it, the way he wanted. While I salute my son, I also give my regards to all the men and women in the Armed Forces serving our nation. God bless you all.
Elder Sister, Eunice Sinha Pazanjiyil – Timothy, we find similarities between you and Joy, my son – the little gestures, mannerisms, intense look and so on. I have always loved you so dearly and pray that Joy fulfills that void you have left behind. I wish to see Joy grow up like you – kind-hearted, loving, loyal, disciplined and compassionate. I am sure he would, as you are there to ensure that. We have experienced that unfathomable supernatural power always there protecting him from dangers. You are still alive in us and with us!!
Younger Sister, Sumitra Sinha – My dada always wanted me to be on my own and brave like him. Now that I am on my own, working at an Indian Navy office, I feel connected with him. Everything seems to be happening the way Dada had wanted, without my knowing. A year before he passed away, he had once called me out on the rooftop and told me that he might not be there for long in this world. And, in that case, he said, “Promise me that you would take care of Mom and Dad and you will be their son after me.” I was dumbstruck and did not want to discuss further, but he insisted and relented only when I gave the promise. I can never replace Dada, but I pray to God to make me like him…
Timothy, in spirit, you are always with us. We would always love you. … Until we meet again!
Bidya Ratan Sinha, Mitra Sinha, Eunice Sinha and Sumitra Sinha
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Source
- http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ins-sindhurakshak-tragedy-kin-of-18-sailors-hoping-against-hope/227176
- http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2013/sep01-13/h1.htm
- http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/three-bodies-of-sailors-found-in-sunken-submarine-113081600164_1.html
- https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/fire-accident-onboard-ins-sindhurakshak
- http://www.rediff.com/news/report/bodies-of-two-ins-sindurakshak-officers-brought-to-assam/20130911.htm
- http://newsneteast.com/index.php/2013/09/assams-naval-sub-casualties-laid-to-rest/
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Diganta Barman
2019 at 9:31 pmRest in peace Timothy. He was so determined to join armed forces that he cleared NDA written, we went together for SSB interview to Bangalore, he was not selected but he got selected later after graduation. A true soldier. Rip
Samarjit Sinha
2019 at 11:12 amSamarjit here! I had worked with him for 2 months in INS Gomathi in the year 2006. I was a trainee by then. He was a very good man! He had expressed his interest in joining submarine. I am sorry for this loss to their family. If they want to reach out to me, you can call me at 7636813855.
Er. Santanu P.
2019 at 5:44 pmRIP…lot to say but almighty !!
Sharmistha Dutta
2023 at 4:27 pmHe was my school friend whom I lost in this accident. He was a very nice guy who lies immortal in our hearts .Such a tragic accident through which we loose him . There are so many memories which are difficult to forget. A true hero to the nation and a true friend at heart . A big salute to my dear friend who still lives in our heart .
Love Timothy