In a tragic turn of events, at least 13 people died after an Indian navy boat hit a passenger ferry in the financial capital on Wednesday, December 19, 2024. According to the reports, 100 others were rescued during the operation.
Around 4 pm in the evening, a navy vessel that was conducting engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, near Karanja off Mumbai. The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a well-known tourist destination.
The Indian navy shared the incident and expressed their condolences to the families who lost during the accident.
“An Indian navy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry, which subsequently capsized.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to lost lives. “I pay my heartfelt tribute to those who died in this accident,” he noted, adding, “We share the grief of their families.”
Notably, the 13 people who died during the accident include one naval servicemember and two representatives of an equipment manufacturer taking part in the tests, the Indian navy reported.
A passenger on board shared the incident, saying, “The speedboat crashed into our boat, and water started entering our boat, and it overturned. The driver asked us to wear life jackets.”
While a rescued person said, “I rescued for 15 minutes before I was rescued by another boat.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Announces Rs 2 lakh Ex gratia
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences over the loss of lives. He announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for deceased families in the Mumbai boat accident.
“The Prime Minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs 50,000”, PMO noted on his on X (formerly Twitter).
President Draupadi Murmu Extends Condolences
President Draupadi Murmu also expressed their condolences over the tragic incident that happened in Mumbai. “I am shocked and saddened to learn about the accident involving a passenger ferry and an Indian navy craft near Mumbai Harbour. My condolences to the rescue and relief operations and the quick recovery of the survivors,” she noted on X.
CM Fadnavis announces Rs 5 lakh from CM’s fund
CM Devendra Fadnavis also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s relief fund. Addressing the media, he said, “Near Mumbai, on Buchar Island, a passenger vessel named Neel Kamal capsized around 3:55 pm after colliding with a navy boat. So far, 101 people have been rescued, but 13 lives have been lost as of 7:30 pm. Among the deceased, 10 were civilians, and three were navy personnel. Families of those who lost their lives will receive an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh from the CM relief fund. The incident will be jointly investigated by the police and the Indian Navy.
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