Off the coast of Mumbai today, an Indian Navy speedboat engaged in engine trials lost control and struck a passenger ferry. According to a statement from the military, the catastrophe claimed the lives of 13 persons, including two employees of the original equipment maker and a naval officer.
The ferry, which was transporting 110 people, recorded the crash on camera. Five people were on board the navy vessel. The remaining 102 passengers, including the two navy craft survivors, were rescued, while ten ferry passengers perished.
“A military vessel undertaking engine trials lost control and struck the passenger ferry Neel Kamal off Karanja, Mumbai, at approximately 1600 hours (4 pm)“. According to a statement from the navy, the ferry was transporting people from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and the Indian Navy craft in Mumbai harbor,” expressed Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, declared that the families of the accident victims would get ₹5 lakh as an ex-gratia from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
According to a defense official, 11 navy vessels, three Marine Police boats, and one Coast Guard boat were stationed in the vicinity as part of the rescue effort conducted by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Rescue operation also involved local fisherman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority employees, and police officers.
