Sindhurakshak mishap: Sailor`s family hopeful of his return

Amritsar: 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 yesterday. 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 said. 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. PTI