At least 13 people died when a boat with more than 100 passengers capsized off the coast of Mumbai after colliding with an Indian Navy boat on Wednesday, officials said.
The navy said 99 people were rescued with efforts ongoing for others.
“At about 1600 hours on 18 December a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry Neel Kamal off Karanja, Mumbai. The ferry was carrying passengers from Gate Way of India to Elephanta Island,” the Navy Spokesperson said in a statement.
The privately-owned passenger boat, called Neelkamal, was heading towards the Elephanta caves, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Mumbai, when it capsized. The caves, which see a steady stream of tourists through the year, are a UNESCO heritage site and were constructed in the 5th-6th centuries A.D. Boats from the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s southernmost point, make regular trips to ferry tourists to the site, an hour away.
According to Indian Navy Statement search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats are undertaking rescue efforts.
The survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. So far 99 survivors have been rescued.
“The accident has reportedly led to the tragic loss of 13 lives including 1 Naval personnel and 2 OEM onboard the Naval craft,” the statement stated. Accounting of all personnel is in progress along with SAR efforts in the area.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock over the incident.
Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour. Injured personnel, including naval personnel & civilians from both vessels, are receiving urgent medical care.
My heartfelt condolences to the…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 18, 2024
Team BharatShakti (With inputs from Reuters)
