A tragic boat accident occurred near Mumbai’s Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot, resulting in 13 confirmed fatalities. The incident unfolded around 3:15 PM when a passenger boat named “Neel Kamal” collided with a speeding naval boat, causing the passenger vessel to capsize. This mishap has raised concerns over maritime safety and operational protocols.
What Happened?
The “Neel Kamal” passenger boat was en route to Elephanta Island with tourists aboard when a speeding boat belonging to the Indian Navy struck it. Reports suggest the naval boat lost control due to an engine malfunction during a trial. The collision caused the passenger boat to overturn, leaving several individuals trapped and others struggling in the water.
🚨TRAGIC #Mumbai : 13 including 3 Navy officials lost their life when a ferry boat carrying more than 100 passengers to Elephanta Caves capsizes in the water after it was hit by a Indian Navy speed boat near Gateway of India.
Maharashtra CM has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5… pic.twitter.com/WOONv47DhZ
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) December 18, 2024
Indian Navy’s Statement
The Indian Navy released an official statement explaining the cause of the collision:
“This afternoon, during an engine trial in Mumbai Harbour, an Indian Navy boat experienced a technical fault leading to a loss of control. The boat collided with a passenger vessel, causing it to capsize. So far, 13 fatalities have been reported. Rescue operations are underway, and survivors have been admitted to nearby hospitals.”
Rescue Operations
In response to the accident, a massive rescue operation was launched involving:
- 11 naval boats
- 4 helicopters
- 3 marine police vessels
- 1 Coast Guard boat
The operation successfully rescued 101 individuals, who were safely transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Authorities continue to search the area for any remaining victims.
Chief Minister’s Statement
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families. He stated:
“The Neel Kamal passenger vehicle collided with a naval boat, leading to a tragic accident. While 101 people were safely rescued, 13 individuals lost their lives. Families of the deceased will receive INR 5 lakh from the CM Relief Fund. Both the Navy and the police will conduct detailed investigations into the incident.”
Ongoing Investigation
Naval sources informed that the engine trial of the naval boat was underway when the malfunction occurred, leading to the loss of control. Both the Indian Navy and local authorities are conducting parallel investigations to determine the precise cause of the collision and ensure accountability.
Conclusion
The Mumbai boat accident underscores the need for stringent safety measures and operational checks during maritime trials. As the investigation progresses, updates will follow to shed light on this tragic accident.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on initial reports and statements from official sources. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
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