Early Life and Naval Career
Lt Cdr Firdaus Darabshah Mogal, born in Ahmedabad on October 15, 1974, was the eldest of three sons born to Shri Darabshah and Smt Armin. He completed his schooling at the Maneckji Cooper Educational Trust and then embarked on a path of service to his nation by joining the esteemed National Defence Academy in 1992. His journey in the Indian Navy began in 1998 when he was commissioned as a Sub Lieutenant.
Driven by an adventurous spirit, Lt Cdr Mogal chose the challenging path of the submarine arm, excelling in the Basic Submariner course. His distinguished career included key roles such as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer on INS Shalki, the Training Coordinator at the Submarine School, and the Executive Officer of INS Shankush. His unwavering commitment, professional acumen, and boundless enthusiasm earned him recognition in 2007 with a commendation from the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command.
The Fateful Day: August 30, 2010
On May 26, 2010, Lt Cdr Mogal took command as the Executive Officer of INS Shankush. During a deployment on August 29, a critical defect emerged, forcing a difficult decision. The only way to continue the mission was to surface and attempt repairs in the open sea, despite the turbulent weather and heavy swells.
The following morning, at the break of dawn, a team of three sailors, led by the Engineering Officer, bravely ventured onto the submarine's casing to address the issue. Suddenly, a monstrous wave crashed against the vessel, sweeping two sailors and the Engineering Officer into the raging sea. Lt Cdr Mogal, instantly grasping the dire situation, reacted with unwavering resolve.
He noticed a third sailor, injured and clinging desperately to the aft casing. Lt Cdr Mogal, without a second thought for his own safety, embarked on a daring rescue. Reaching the sailor, he discovered the man was immobilized due to a leg injury. In an awe-inspiring display of strength and courage, Lt Cdr Mogal hoisted the sailor onto his shoulders and began the perilous journey back to the bridge.
Acts of Bravery and Sacrifice
Battling against the elements, Lt Cdr Mogal defied the relentless waves, torrential rain, and violent rocking of the submarine. For 20 harrowing minutes, he struggled to reach the fin's ladder, the only way to bring the injured sailor to safety. Even this ladder was repeatedly submerged by the unforgiving sea. Yet, Lt Cdr Mogal refused to yield.
With superhuman strength, he ascended the narrow, slippery ladder, the injured sailor still clinging to him. Reaching the bridge, he handed over his precious cargo and immediately turned back to aid the divers in rescuing the remaining men.
The sight of their Executive Officer fighting for their survival ignited hope in the overboard sailors. Lt Cdr Mogal, once again demonstrating unparalleled courage, joined the divers and successfully pulled the struggling men closer to the submarine. But just as they were about to climb aboard, a colossal wave engulfed them all.
When the wave subsided, all six men, including Lt Cdr Mogal, found themselves back in the water. In this dire situation, he remained calm, gathering the men into a huddle and signaling the bridge for assistance. With Lt Cdr Mogal at the helm, they reached the submarine's casing.
Tirelessly, he helped each man climb back on board, even offering his own shoulders as a stepping stone. His unwavering concern for his men compelled him to ensure their safety before his own. Tragically, as he was about to climb up himself, another monstrous wave swept him away, causing severe head injuries.
A Search and Rescue helicopter was summoned, and he was rushed to INS Ashwini Naval Hospital. But despite the best efforts, Lt Cdr Mogal succumbed to his injuries, making the ultimate sacrifice for his comrades.
Legacy of Valor
Lt Cdr Mogal's extraordinary bravery and leadership transcended the call of duty. His selfless act earned him the Shaurya Chakra, a posthumous recognition of his valor and unwavering dedication to the highest traditions of the Indian Navy. He is survived by his parents, his wife, and his son, leaving behind a legacy of courage that will forever be etched in the annals of naval history.
The Citation for the Shaurya Chakra awarded to him reads:-
Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal assumed the duties of the Executive Officer of the submarine on 26 May, 2010. On 29 August, 2010, whilst the submarine was en-route for a deployment, a defect was observed on the starboard outer exhaust flap. All attempts to rectify the defect from within the submarine proved futile. At about 0655 hour on 30 August 2010, a team comprising of 3 sailors led by the Engineer Officer of the submarine was sent on the casing for defect rectification. As the team was approaching the flap on the after casing, a strong wave swept two of the sailors and the Engineer Officer overboard. The third sailor was badly injured and was hanging overboard with his storm belt with major abrasive injuries on his leg, Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal who was on bridge, immediately realized the gravity of the situation. Since the injured sailor hanging on the after casing was required to be recovered immediately, he himself proceeded to rescue the injured sailor. After about 20 min of frightening struggle, the officer reached the ladder on the fin that had to be climbed for handing over the injured sailor to bridge. The recovery of the first casualty infused hope in the overboard men to hang on and they looked at their Executive Office for their rescue. He managed to pull the overboard men close to the submarine. Once all were onboard, the officer attempted to climb up and as he was about to reach another wave washed him overboard. It appeared that he had sustained head injuries due to this wave. Realizing this, the ASWO of the submarine proceeded to his rescue. Simultaneously, assistance of a SAR helicopter was called for from Mumbai. Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal was rescued by the SAR helicopter and evacuated to INHS Asvini, however he had succumbed to his injuries by then. Lieutenant Commander Firdaus Darabshah Mogal displayed exceptional courage, unmatched show of fearless valor in the face of death and made supreme sacrifice in saving the lives of six men.
In the memory of Lt Cdr Firdaus D. Mogal:
Submariners training centre at Viskhapatnam has been renamed as “The Firdaus Mogal simulator complex building’ in 2012. INS Satavahana was ‘Lt Cdr Firdaus’ alma mater and he had worked towards setting up the ‘Simulator Complex’.
A portrait of Lt Cdr Firdaus was unveiled in the hall of the Mahuva Parsi Dadgah (a fire temple) on 26-01-2013. Mahuva (Dist. Surat, Gujarat State) is the native place of ‘Lt Cdr Firdaus. The fire temple was established in 1859.
On the same day Parsi religion scholar Dr. R. Peer released a small book in Gujarati and English edited by his uncle Dr. Hosang Mogal titled ‘Bhar Bapore Suryast’ (Sunset at Noon). The aim is to inspire the younger generation to do their duty to the Nation and encourage them to join the country’s defense services.
The Gram Panchayat of Mahuva named Parsi Mohalla as ‘Lt Cdr Firdaus Mogal Marg’ on 11-09-2016. On that day the second edition of ‘Bhar Bapore Suryast’ was released by the guests of honour Cmde Aspi Marker (Retd.) and Shri Ganpatsinh Vasava, Minister of Tribal Welfare, Tourism and Forests in Gujarat Government.
Jay Jawan Nagrik Samiti of Surat celebrates ‘Kargil Vijay Day on 26th July every year. On that day the Samiti invites relatives of those Gujarati who had laid down their life for the Nation. The Samti honours them and also give financial aid to the family of the deceased soldiers. In one such event on 26-07-2011, ‘Lt Cdr Firdaus’ uncle Dr. Hosang Mogel and family attended the function.
“Shri Sayaji Vaibhav Sarvajanic Pustakalya and Shri Narendra Parekh Gyandhan” of Navsari (founded in 1898) is very active and dynamic library of Gujarat. The Management of library decided to initiate a lecture series in memory of Late Lt Cdr Firdaus Mogal.On 06-08-2017 it was announced and the Lecture series is named, ‘Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous) awardee Lt Cdr Firdaus Darabshah Mogal memorial Lecture series’. The library will invite retired or active in service officers of the Indian Armed forces and they will address students of schools and colleges.