PNS Ghazi (S-130), a submarine of the Pakistani Navy, holds a significant place in naval history due to its role in the Indo-Pakistani conflicts of the 1960s and 1970s. Commissioned originally as USS Diablo (SS-479) in the United States Navy, it was later acquired by Pakistan and renamed Ghazi. The submarine played a pivotal role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, where it embarked on a mission with the primary objective of locating and sinking the Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. However, its journey ended tragically, sparking debates and speculations about the circumstances of its sinking. This delves into the story of PNS Ghazi(S-130), exploring its significance in naval warfare and the mysteries surrounding its demise.
A. General characteristics
1. The Tench-class diesel-electric submarine boasted a displacement of 1,570 long tons (1,595 t) when surfaced, and 2,414 long tons (2,453 t) when submerged.
2. With a length of 311 feet 8 inches (95.00 m) and a beam of 27 feet 4 inches (8.33 m), the Tench-class submarine was an imposing vessel in both size and capability.
3. Propelled by four Fairbanks-Morse Model 38D8-⅛ 10-cylinder opposed piston diesel engines, the submarine could generate 5,400 shp (4.0 MW) when surfaced.
4. The submarine's propulsion system included two low-speed direct-drive Elliott electric motors, providing a submerged power output of 2,740 shp (2.0 MW).
5. When operating on the surface, the Tench-class submarine could achieve a remarkable speed of 20.25 knots (37.50 km/h; 23.30 mph), ensuring swift maneuverability in various naval engagements.
6. Submerged, the submarine maintained a respectable speed of 8.75 knots (16.21 km/h; 10.07 mph), allowing for stealthy operations beneath the waves.
7. With a test depth of 400 ft (120 m) in United States Navy service and 450 ft (140 m) in Pakistan Navy service, the submarine demonstrated its ability to operate effectively at significant depths.
8. With a range of 11,000 nautical miles (20,000 km; 13,000 mi) surfaced at 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph), the Tench-class submarine possessed impressive endurance for extended missions.
9. In The Tench-class submarine is armed with 10 × 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes (6 forward, 4 aft), accommodating 28 torpedoes and showcasing its offensive capabilities.
10. Additionally, it features a formidable arsenal, including a 5 in (127 mm)/25-caliber deck gun, a Bofors 40 mm cannon (in US service), and an Oerlikon 20 mm cannon (later 2), along with 2 × .30 cal (7.62 mm) machine guns in Pakistan service.
11.With its minelaying capability after refit in turkey the Tench-class submarine proves its versatility in naval operations, capable of deploying Mark-14 torpedoes and Mk.14/Mk.10 naval mines.
B. Service with the United States Navy: Originally commissioned as USS Diablo (SS-479), PNS Ghazi began its journey in the United States Navy. A Balao-class submarine, it served in the post-World War II era, contributing to the security and strategic interests of the United States. However, its destiny was to take a different turn as geopolitical shifts reshaped the world.
C. Pakistani Navy Acquisition and Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: In 1964, PNS Ghazi was acquired by the Pakistani Navy, becoming a symbol of Pakistan's growing maritime capabilities. Its most significant deployment came during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Ghazi played a crucial role in disrupting Indian naval operations in the Arabian Sea, instilling fear and uncertainty among Indian naval forces.
D. Refit in Turkey and Journey Around Africa:
Following its active involvement in the 1965 war, PNS Ghazi underwent a refit in Turkey, further enhancing its combat capabilities. The Turkish shipyards provided expertise and resources to modernize the submarine, ensuring its readiness for future operations. Subsequently, Ghazi embarked on a historic journey around the African continent, traversing treacherous waters and showcasing Pakistan's naval prowess on the international stage. This voyage underscored the strategic significance of PNS Ghazi as a mobile and agile force in the Indian Ocean region.
E. Unfolding Goals of PNS Ghazi: As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in 1971, PNS Ghazi was tasked with two primary objectives. The first and foremost goal was to locate and neutralize INS Vikrant, a formidable asset of the Indian Navy. Ghazi's mission to sink Vikrant was aimed at crippling India's naval capabilities and asserting Pakistan's dominance in the Arabian Sea. The second objective was to mine India's eastern seaboard, disrupting maritime traffic and hindering Indian naval operations along the coast.
F. Primary Goal: Locate and Sink INS Vikrant:
The quest to locate and sink INS Vikrant was central to Ghazi's mission in the 1971 war. As India's flagship aircraft carrier, Vikrant posed a significant threat to Pakistan's maritime interests. Ghazi, equipped with advanced sonar and detection capabilities, embarked on a relentless pursuit to track down Vikrant in the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. The success of this mission would not only deal a severe blow to Indian naval supremacy but also boost the morale of Pakistani forces.
G. Secondary Goal: Mine India's Eastern Seaboard:
In addition to targeting INS Vikrant, Ghazi was tasked with mining India's eastern seaboard to disrupt maritime traffic and impede Indian naval operations. Mining strategic coastal areas would create obstacles for Indian ships, rendering certain ports inaccessible and complicating naval logistics. This secondary objective underscored Ghazi's role in executing a multifaceted strategy aimed at weakening India's naval defenses and asserting Pakistan's dominance in the region.
H. Tragic Fate: The tragic fate of PNS Ghazi unfolded on the fateful night of December 3, 1971, off the coast of Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India. While engaged in mine-laying operations near the mouth of Vizag port, Ghazi encountered INS Rajput, a frigate of the Indian Navy. In the ensuing confrontation, Ghazi was sunk, with all hands lost. The circumstances surrounding Ghazi's sinking remain shrouded in controversy and speculation, with conflicting accounts and disputed claims clouding the true narrative of its demise.
I. Possible claim
1. Hydrogen Explosion during Battery Charging:
One plausible theory suggests that PNS Ghazi met its demise due to a hydrogen explosion while the submarine's batteries were being charged. Submarine batteries, particularly those of Ghazi's era, relied on electrolysis to produce oxygen and hydrogen. Accumulation of hydrogen gas, if not properly vented, could lead to a catastrophic explosion. Critics argue that the submarine's aging systems and lack of proper maintenance might have exacerbated this risk, resulting in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of all onboard.
2. Detonation by a Mine:
Another theory posits that PNS Ghazi was sunk by the detonation of a mine, either accidentally triggered by the submarine itself or strategically laid by the Indian Navy. The mine-laying operation near the mouth of Vizag port put Ghazi in a precarious position, surrounded by potential hazards lurking beneath the surface. If Ghazi inadvertently drifted into a minefield or triggered a mine while laying its own, the resulting explosion could have sealed its tragic fate.
3. Impact while Avoiding Depth Charges:
During its encounter with INS Rajput, Ghazi may have attempted evasive maneuvers to avoid depth charges launched by the Indian frigate. In the process, it is conceivable that Ghazi struck the sea floor, causing significant damage to its hull. Submarines operate in a delicate balance between depth and maneuverability, and sudden maneuvers under duress can increase the risk of collision or structural failure. This claim suggests that Ghazi's attempt to evade enemy fire may have inadvertently led to its own demise.
4. Mechanical Failure or Internal Explosion:
The possibility of mechanical failure or internal explosion within Ghazi cannot be discounted. Submarines are complex machines, prone to a myriad of technical issues and malfunctions. A critical system failure or accidental ignition of combustible materials could have precipitated a catastrophic event within Ghazi's confines. Whether due to human error, design flaw, or sheer misfortune, such internal incidents could have rendered Ghazi vulnerable to sinking.
5. Indian Navy Attack: Given the context of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, another plausible claim is that PNS Ghazi was deliberately targeted and attacked by the Indian Navy. Hostilities between India and Pakistan escalated during the conflict, with naval engagements occurring in the Bay of Bengal. It is conceivable that Indian naval forces identified and engaged PNS Ghazi, either through direct combat or covert operations, resulting in its sinking.
5. Environmental Factors:
Environmental factors, including natural phenomena and weather conditions, could also be cited as potential claims for the sinking of PNS Ghazi. Submarines operate in challenging and unpredictable environments, where factors such as underwater currents, stormy seas, or navigational hazards can pose serious risks. It's conceivable that adverse environmental conditions played a role in compromising the submarine's safety and contributing to its sinking.
6. Unknown Causes:
Finally, there remains the possibility of unknown or unexplained causes for the sinking of PNS Ghazi. Despite decades of speculation and investigation, there are still gaps in our understanding of what exactly led to the demise of this submarine. Some theories propose unconventional explanations, such as underwater collisions, encounters with unidentified objects, or even supernatural phenomena. While these claims may lack concrete evidence, they serve as a reminder of the enduring mysteries surrounding PNS Ghazi's sinking.
J. Fishermen Reports and Discovery of Float Debris: In the aftermath of PNS Ghazi's sinking, reports from local fishermen played a crucial role in piecing together the puzzle of its fate. On December 5, 1971, fishermen in the vicinity of Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India, reported sighting float debris, indicating the possible location of Ghazi's wreckage. These initial reports served as the catalyst for subsequent search and recovery efforts, as Indian naval authorities mobilized resources to investigate the area.
K. Recovery of Artifacts: In the years following the war, concerted efforts were made to locate and recover artifacts from the wreckage of PNS Ghazi.Indian Navy divers retrieved artifacts and six bodies from the sunken PNS Ghazi. The recovery followed a blast to access the submarine. The Indian Navy accorded the deceased Pakistani servicemen military honorary burials. Among the items retrieved were backup tapes for radar computers, war logs, a broken windshield, and top-secret files. One body belonged to a Petty Officer Mechanical Engineer (POME), clutching a wheel spanner tightly. Another sailor carried a letter written in Urdu addressed to his fiancée. These artifacts shed light on Ghazi's operations and the personal stories of its crew. The recovery and subsequent burials underscored the respect and dignity accorded to fallen soldiers, transcending national boundaries and honoring the sacrifices made in wartime.
L. Naming of Submarine: S-134 in Memory of PNS Ghazi: In 1974, the Pakistan Navy honored the legacy of PNS Ghazi by naming a new submarine in its memory. Designated as S-134, the submarine became a symbol of continuity and homage to Ghazi's service during the 1971 war. S-134 carried forward Ghazi's legacy, embodying the spirit of naval valor and resilience. Through its name, the submarine paid tribute to the sailors who served aboard Ghazi and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to honoring its maritime heritage.
M. Naming of Base: PNS Zafars in Memory of Commander Zafar Muhammad Khan: Commander Zafar Muhammad Khan, the valiant captain of PNS Ghazi, exemplified leadership and courage during the submarine's final mission. In recognition of his distinguished service and ultimate sacrifice, a naval base was named in his honor in 1975. Designated as PNS Zafars, the base became a testament to Commander Khan's leadership and the enduring legacy of Ghazi's crew. PNS Zafars served as a hub of naval operations, embodying the principles of professionalism, dedication, and camaraderie espoused by Commander Khan.
N. Film Portrayals
The story of PNS Ghazi has been immortalized in film, with two notable productions capturing different aspects of its journey. "Ghazi Shaheed," released in 1996, is a Pakistani film that depicts the submarine's voyage, providing insight into its service and sacrifices. Conversely, "Ghazi," a 2017 Indian film, focuses on the sinking of PNS Ghazi during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, portraying the intense naval conflict between the two nations. Additionally, "Raazi," a 2018 Indian spy thriller directed by Meghna Gulzar, sheds light on the Indian espionage mission aimed at gathering intelligence on PNS Ghazi's mission to attack INS Vikrant, showcasing the strategic maneuvers and risks involved in naval warfare. These films offer varying perspectives on PNS Ghazi's legacy, from its valiant service to its tragic demise, highlighting the enduring impact of this historic submarine.
PNS Ghazi's legacy endures as a symbol of naval valor, sacrifice, and the uncertainties of war. Its journey from service with the United States Navy to its role in the Indo-Pakistani conflicts reflects the geopolitical dynamics of the time and the strategic imperatives of both nations. The circumstances surrounding its sinking remain shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation and debate among historians and naval experts. Yet, the recovery of artifacts and the honorable burials accorded to its fallen crew members underscore the human dimension of naval warfare and the bonds of respect that transcend national boundaries. As the story of PNS Ghazi continues to captivate the imagination, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who serve at sea and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of maritime supremacy.
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