Tragedy in Mumbai: Naval vessel collision claims 13 lives on passenger ferry
A tragic boat collision off Mumbai’s coast claimed at least 13 lives on Wednesday. A naval craft struck a passenger ferry carrying over 100 people, causing it to capsize. The accident occurred near Mumbai Harbour during engine trials on the naval boat. Officials confirmed 99 passengers were rescued, with efforts continuing to locate the missing.
The Indian Navy issued a statement explaining the incident. “An engine malfunction caused the naval craft to lose control, resulting in a collision with the ferry,” it said. Local TV footage showed a speedboat with five occupants crashing into the ferry, triggering chaos onboard.
One survivor recounted the ordeal on ABP Majha news channel. “The speedboat hit us, and water began flooding our boat. It overturned quickly. The driver instructed us to wear lifejackets. I swam for 15 minutes before being rescued by another boat,” the passenger said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy in a late-night post on X (formerly Twitter). “The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families,” he wrote. Modi announced financial aid of ₹200,000 ($2,357) for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 ($589) for the injured through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
The privately-owned ferry, Neelkamal, was en route to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site popular with tourists. Located an hour from Mumbai’s Gateway of India, the caves attract visitors year-round. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed the vessel’s destination and ongoing rescue operations.
The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the bustling waters near Mumbai. Local authorities and the Navy are investigating the circumstances leading to the crash. Meanwhile, rescue teams remain focused on finding survivors and providing assistance to affected families.
This collision highlights the need for stringent safety measures for passenger ferries and operational checks for naval vessels. The tragedy has left Mumbai in mourning as families grapple with the devastating loss.
