A devastating maritime accident near Mumbai claimed the lives of 13 people, including a naval officer, when an Indian Navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry on Wednesday. The Navy confirmed in a statement that the speedboat, which was undergoing engine trials, lost control and struck the ferry carrying 110 passengers near Karanja, off the Mumbai coast.
The collision occurred around 4 pm, involving the Navy craft carrying five personnel and the ferry Neel Kamal, which was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. The accident led to the death of ten ferry passengers and three individuals from the Navy craft, including two personnel from the original equipment manufacturer. A total of 102 ferry passengers and two survivors from the speedboat were rescued.
A video of the incident, captured by one of the ferry passengers, surfaced two hours later, showing the speedboat striking the ferry and tilting it towards the water. Initial reports suggested the ferry was sinking, but the cause was unclear until the collision was confirmed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, saying, “The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon.” The Prime Minister’s Office announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his sorrow, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between a passenger ferry and the Indian Navy craft in Mumbai harbour.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of those who died in the accident.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard launched a large-scale rescue operation immediately after the collision. The operation involved 11 Navy boats, three Marine Police boats, and a Coast Guard vessel. Visuals from the rescue showed passengers being evacuated while wearing life jackets and transferred to another vessel for safety.
The Colaba police have started the process of registering an FIR to investigate the incident. This tragic accident has raised questions about safety measures during maritime trials and passenger transport in the busy waters around Mumbai.
