In a tragic accident near Mumbai’s Karanja on Wednesday, 13 people lost their lives, and 100 were rescued after a Navy speedboat, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal. The incident occurred around 4 PM, involving a ferry enroute from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The deceased include 10 civilians, one Navy personnel, and two employees of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) firm. According to Mumbai Police, the deceased included seven men, four women and two children.
“The situation was tragic and completely chaotic, with people screaming for help and children crying. We did our best to rescue everyone,” said Arif Bamane, the driver of the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) pilot boat.
The Neelkamal ferry, with a capacity of 80 passengers, had left the Gateway of India approximately 45 minutes before the collision near Butcher Island.
According to a Defence official, the Navy speedboat was undergoing trials after its engine was replaced. The naval craft had six people on board, including two from the Indian Navy and four from the firm that provided the new engine.
Search and Rescue Operation
A massive search and rescue operation launched by the Navy, marine police and the Coast Guard helped save lives. Four helicopters, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were involved in the rescue operation. Police personnel and local fishermen had also joined the rescue work.
