NEW DELHI: A tragic maritime accident off the Mumbai coast claimed 13 lives, while 101 passengers were rescued after a ferry, Neelkamal, capsized en route to Elephanta Island. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis provided the details on Wednesday.
The accident occurred when a Navy speedboat undergoing engine trials lost control and rammed into the ferry, which was carrying over 100 passengers, including 20 children. Reports indicate that the speedboat, circling near the ferry, went out of control due to a newly installed engine stuck at full throttle. The naval craft, carrying six people—including two naval personnel and four representatives of the engine supplier—collided with the ferry, leading to its capsizing.
CISF Rescues 56 Passengers
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel played a crucial role in the rescue operation. Using a patrolling boat and the pilot boat SHM-XXIII, they saved 56 individuals from the accident site near Butcher Island, approximately 6 km from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA).
Despite the site being beyond the regular patrolling zone, CISF boats were dispatched immediately after receiving information from Port Control. Rescued passengers were safely transferred to JNPA’s landing jetty, and those in need of medical attention were transported to the JNPA Hospital, according to a CISF statement.
Eyewitness Recounts the Horror
Ganesh, a 45-year-old passenger from Hyderabad, shared his harrowing experience. He recalled seeing the naval craft circling dangerously close to the ferry before the collision.
“The speedboat appeared out of control, and within seconds, it rammed into our ferry,” Ganesh told PTI. He was among the first passengers rescued. “There were over 100 passengers, including children, on board,” he added, describing the chaos and fear among those on the ill-fated Neelkamal.
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols during naval equipment trials and the management of tourist ferries in the region. An investigation is underway to determine the cause and accountability for the tragedy.
