At Least 13 Dead as Passenger Ferry Capsizes off Mumbai Coast Following Collision with Navy Boat
A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday evening off the coast of Mumbai when a passenger ferry, Neelkamal, capsized after colliding with an Indian Navy boat, claiming the lives of at least 13 people. The victims include 10 civilians and three Navy personnel, while two others are critically injured and receiving treatment at the Navy Dockyard Hospital.
The incident took place around 3:55 PM near Buchar Island, as the ferry collided with an Indian Navy boat. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the mishap and announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. “Rescue operations are ongoing, and a comprehensive report will be shared tomorrow,” he stated in a media briefing.
As of now, 101 individuals have been rescued, though concerns remain over the possibility of missing passengers. Authorities have launched an extensive search and rescue operation, involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local police. The operation has deployed 11 naval crafts, four helicopters, one Coast Guard boat, and three marine police crafts. Survivors have been transported to nearby hospitals for medical evaluation and care.
A Navy spokesperson clarified that the collision occurred due to an engine malfunction during trials of an Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour, which caused the ferry to capsize. The ferry was carrying 85 passengers, including five crew members, on a trip to Elephanta Island when the incident occurred.
A joint investigation will be conducted by the police and the Indian Navy to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities have assured that further updates, including the status of any missing persons, will be provided by Thursday morning.
