A ferry from Mumbai, en route to Elephanta Island, capsized after an Indian Navy speedboat crashed into it on Wednesday. The tragic accident caused 13 casualties, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel. As per the latest update, 101 survivors were rescued after a rescue operation by the Navy.
Naval Boat Hits Passenger Ferry In Mumbai
This is a very tragic incident.😢 13 people have lost their lives! There are many questions to be asked. Was it the right time and the right area for boat testing? A strict investigation is absolutely necessary! #boataccident #mumbai #gatewayofindia pic.twitter.com/ax747XJgIy
— Prashanth Bhat (Biker) (@adriftrider) December 19, 2024
On Wednesday afternoon, an Indian Navy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour rammed into a passenger ferry. The ferry subsequently capsized, killing 13 people, including Navy personnel. A rescue operation was immediately launched by the Navy and they were able to save 101 people.
As per an X (formerly Twitter) post by the Indian Army, “4 naval helicopters, 11 naval crafts, one Coast Guard boat and three marine police crafts” were deployed to recover the survivors. They were all shifted to nearby hospitals for immediate medical assistance.
A viral video circulating on social media shows the Navy vessel losing control and ramming into a passenger ferry in Mumbai. According to the Hindustan Times, the Neelkamal passenger ferry was on its way to Elephanta Islands and the accident happened around 4 PM on December 18.
What Caused The Ferry To Capsize?
Today afternoon, an #IndianNavy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized.
13 fatalities have been reported so far. Survivors rescued from the…
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2024
As per reports, the naval speed-craft was undergoing trials in the sea when its engine malfunctioned. The boat’s engine was recently changed and to test the new one, the Navy was testing it in the sea. Due to the malfunction, the speedboat lost control and crashed into the passenger ferry in Mumbai Harbour. Now, an FIR under the new criminal code BNS was registered against the Navy speedboat driver and others responsible for the accident.
The accident of a passenger boat belonging to Neelkamal Company in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai is deeply tragic and unfortunate.
As per the information received till 7:30 pm, 101 passengers have been safely rescued.
As per the info given by Navy’s Vice Admiral Sanjay Jagjit… pic.twitter.com/CMjmWqBxA4— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 18, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths. The Prime Minister’s office also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for each deceased’s next of kin.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/EPwReaayYk
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 18, 2024
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh from the CM relief fund for the bereaved families. He further announced an investigation by the police and the Navy to know more about this incident.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/drshamamohd & X/@Weathermonitors
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