Boat Collision with Indian Navy Vessel
At least 13 people lost their lives when a passenger boat capsized off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday, following a collision with an Indian Navy boat. The Navy reported that more than 100 passengers were on board the ferry, and 99 people were rescued, with efforts still underway to locate others.
Details of the Accident
According to the Indian Navy, the incident occurred when one of its crafts, while undergoing engine trials in Mumbai Harbour, lost control due to a malfunction. This caused it to collide with the passenger ferry, which then capsized. The Navy released a statement on X confirming the cause of the accident.
Survivors Share Their Experience
A passenger on board the capsized vessel, Neelkamal, told local media that the speedboat crashed into their boat, causing water to flood in and overturn the ferry. “The driver told us to wear lifejackets,” the passenger recalled. “I swam for fifteen minutes before being rescued by another boat,” they added.
Capsized Boat and Popular Tourist Route
The Neelkamal ferry, which was en route to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO heritage site and popular tourist attraction off Mumbai’s coast, capsized after the collision. The Elephanta Caves, dating back to the 5th-6th centuries AD, are a major draw for tourists, with boats regularly departing from the Gateway of India to transport visitors to the site, about an hour away by sea.
This tragic accident has raised concerns about safety standards for passenger ferries in the region, particularly those operating on busy tourist routes.
