A tragic collision occurred off the Mumbai coast today when an Indian Navy speedboat, undergoing engine trials, lost control and struck a passenger ferry named Neel Kamal. 13 persons were killed including a Naval Officer.
According to an official navy statement, the accident took place around 4:00 pm near Karanja. The ferry, carrying 110 passengers en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, was struck by the naval craft, which had five people onboard.&nbsp;
Thirteen people lost their lives in the accident, including a naval officer and two representatives from the equipment manufacturer onboard the speedboat. Among the deceased, ten were ferry passengers. Remarkably, 102 individuals, including two survivors from the navy craft, were rescued.&nbsp;
A video of the collision captured from the ferry has surfaced, highlighting the gravity of the incident. The navy has expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and initiated an investigation into the cause of the mishap.&nbsp;
According to the Joint Operations Command (JOC) and BMC, the ferry boat, &lsquo;Neelkamal&rsquo; suddenly wobbled and overturned near Uran, Karanja. Videos of the tragedy, clicked by passengers from other ferries showed gruesome sights of people screaming for help, flaying their arms and legs to remain afloat or attempting to hold their near and dear ones from sinking in the Arabian Sea waters.
On receiving the information of the disaster, the Indian Navy&rsquo;s four helicopters, the Marine Police, the Indian Coast Guard, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, along with local fishers and other ferry boats launched a massive rescue effort to save the tourists.
It was not immediately known whether the &lsquo;Neelkamal&rsquo; launch was carrying passengers as per the stipulated norms and other safety measures.
Rajendra Padte, the boat owner, said that the &lsquo;Neelkamal&rsquo; had departed on its regular voyage to Elephanta Islands around 3.15 pm and barely a couple of hours later the tragedy was reported.
&ldquo;All passengers were wearing life jackets which are now compulsory. More than 14 other boats are engaged in the rescue operations,&rdquo; Padte told media persons.
However, several people struggling in the cold seawater could be seen wearing life jackets, as it turned dark and rescue operations could be hampered. While one tourist has been officially reported dead, there are unofficial reports of two more fatalities amid apprehensions that the toll may increase, officials indicated.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the state Assembly in Nagpur that the government will provide all assistance to those who drowned and died in the mishap.&nbsp; 
The issue was raised by Shiv Sena legislator Aaditya Thackrey and BJP MLA Mahesh Baldi in the state assembly drawing the chief minister&rsquo;s attention.
&ldquo;We have received reports of an accident involving the boat Nilkamal, which was heading towards Elephanta islands. Boats from the Navy, Coast Guard, port, and police teams have been immediately dispatched for assistance. We are in constant touch with the district and police administration and fortunately, most of the citizens have been rescued. However, rescue operations are still underway. Orders have been given to the district administration to deploy all the necessary machinery for the rescue operation,&rdquo; said Fadnavis.
He added that the government is ascertaining how many passengers have drowned due to the accident. He told the House that he had also watched the video of the mishap.
Fadnavis also said that it is being ascertained how many passengers drowned and after that, the government will provide assistance to them.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has instructed the Mumbai and Raigad district collectors to expedite the rescue operations.
The Elephanta Isles, housing the world-famous group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu gods and goddesses, are said to have been cut in rocks between 1,500-2,200 years ago, and are one of the must-see tourist destinations of Maharashtra.
Bureau Report with agency input

Rescue operation under near ‘Neelkamal’ ferry boat

Tragic collision off Mumbai coast leaves 13 dead, 102 rescued in navy ferry accident

Navy Speedboat Collides with Ferry Near Mumbai

Tragic collision off Mumbai coast leaves 13 dead, 102 rescued in navy ferry accident

December 18, 2024 | 19:05 IST