A tragic collision between a navy boat and a passenger ferry off the Mumbai coast has claimed 13 lives, including a navy personnel and two individuals from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The incident occurred during engine trials of the navy craft near Karanja in the Arabian Sea.
A video captured seconds before the crash shows the speedboat, carrying five people, moving erratically in a zig-zag pattern. The boat first veers left, then sharply right, before covering some distance and making an abrupt left turn. Moments later, it approaches the passenger ferry, “Neel Kamal,” which was transporting 110 passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
According to a navy statement, the accident happened around 4 PM. The driver of the speedboat reportedly attempted to regain control of the vessel but failed, leading to the collision.
“At about 1600 hours (4 PM), a navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with the passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, off Karanja, Mumbai,” the statement read.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as the ferry tilted towards the water surface after the collision. Visuals from the scene show passengers wearing life jackets being rescued and shifted to another boat.
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard launched a massive search and rescue operation, deploying 11 navy boats, three Marine Police boats, and one Coast Guard vessel. Additionally, four helicopters were involved in the mission, alongside personnel from the police, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, and local fishermen.
The rescue efforts ensured many passengers were saved, but the tragedy has left a somber atmosphere across Mumbai’s maritime community. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash, including the loss of engine control during the navy craft’s trials.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors and conducting searches for any missing individuals.
Sources By Agencies