Over the weekend, Iran faced a setback as one of its newest warships, the frigate Sahand, capsized in the port of Bandar Abbas while undergoing repairs. The incident occurred when water leaked into the ship's tanks, causing it to lose balance and rest on its left side in the port.
The 311-foot-long Sahand, equipped with antiship cruise missiles and an electronic warfare system, is a significant vessel in Iran's fleet. However, the mishap could potentially put the ship out of commission for up to six months, according to naval analyst Carl Schuster.
Schuster explained that seawater damage to electronics and mechanical parts could lead to engine failure if not properly addressed. The repair process is expected to be extensive, involving the removal and cleaning of all electronics to eliminate salt residue.
Due to the weight distribution of top hamper on ships like the Sahand, maintaining balance is crucial to prevent capsizing, especially during repair work. The incident resulted in minor injuries to several individuals, who were promptly taken to a hospital for treatment.
Efforts are underway to refloat and rebalance the Sahand, a process that may take a week or more and require the use of cranes, floatation bladders, and portable pumps. The previous ship bearing the name Sahand met a different fate in 1988 when it was sunk by the US Navy during Operation Praying Mantis.
Despite the setback, Iran is expected to work diligently to restore the frigate Sahand to operational status, ensuring the continued readiness of its naval fleet.
