"Lt Cdr DS Chauhan lost his life after a fire broke out onboard aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya while entering the Karwar harbour. The fire was brought under control but the officer who led the firefight suffered loss of consciousness and could not be revived," the statement said.
The Navy has reportedly called a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
READ MORE: India's Nuclear Submarine INS Arihant Back in Service After Repairs
The Friday incident is not unique for the naval history. On July 29, 1967, the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier caught a fire in the Gulf of Tonkin after one of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter-bombers deployed on the vessel accidentally launched rocket fire. The incident left 134 people dead and 161 more injured.