Tragic Maritime Accident Near Mumbai: Indian Navy Speedboat Collides with Ferry, 13 Dead and 99 Rescued

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A tragic collision between an Indian Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near Mumbai claims 13 lives, sparking investigations and raising questions about maritime safety protocols.

At a Glance

  • Indian Navy speedboat collided with passenger ferry “Neelkamal” near Elephanta Island
  • 13 people died, including naval personnel; 99 passengers rescued
  • Accident occurred during engine trials of the naval speedboat
  • Investigations launched into cause and potential safety lapses
  • Compensation announced for victims’ families

Deadly Collision Near Mumbai’s Coast

In a devastating maritime incident off the coast of Mumbai, an Indian Navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry, resulting in the loss of at least 13 lives and prompting a massive rescue operation. The accident occurred on December 18, 2024, when the naval vessel, undergoing engine trials, lost control and crashed into the ferry “Neelkamal,” which was transporting over 100 passengers to the popular tourist destination of Elephanta Island.

The collision’s impact was catastrophic, claiming the lives of both civilians and naval personnel. Among the deceased were an Indian Navy officer and two naval employees. The incident has raised serious questions about maritime safety protocols and the coordination between naval operations and civilian vessels in shared waters.

Rescue Efforts and Immediate Response

Following the collision, a swift and coordinated rescue operation was launched. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and civilian vessels joined forces to save lives and minimize casualties. The rescue efforts involved four helicopters, 11 naval craft, and several other boats, showcasing a commendable display of emergency response.

“At about 1600 hours on December 18, 2024, a Navy craft (speedboat) undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, off Butcher Island. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval crafts (vessels), three Coast Guard boats, and an equal number of Marine Police boats were involved in the rescue efforts.” – Navy statement

The rapid response of nearby vessels played a crucial role in saving lives. Unmesh Wagh, representing one of the first responders, stated that their pilot vessel managed to rescue 56 people despite being designed to carry only 10. This heroic effort underscores the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in maritime emergencies.

Investigations and Accountability

In the wake of this tragedy, multiple investigations have been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess any potential safety protocol lapses. The Indian Navy’s preliminary investigation indicated a malfunction in the speedboat’s engine, leading to a loss of control. However, this initial finding has sparked further questions about the maintenance and testing procedures for naval vessels.

“Our boat is equipped with all safety equipment like life jackets. When I was informed about the accident, I rushed to the spot. The video doing the rounds shows that the boat from the Navy dashed into the ferry.” – Rajendra Padte

An FIR has been filed against the driver of the naval speedboat for negligence and reckless navigation, indicating that individual accountability will be a focus of the investigation. Additionally, the Chief Minister has ordered separate inquiries to ensure a thorough examination of the incident from multiple angles.

Safety Concerns and Future Measures

The collision has brought to light several safety concerns regarding both naval operations and passenger ferry services. Survivors reported a lack of proper instructions from ferry staff after the collision, leading to chaos and panic. Questions have also been raised about the ferry’s passenger capacity and the availability of safety equipment such as life jackets.

As investigations continue, there is a growing call for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations and improved communication between naval and civilian vessels. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to established safety protocols and the need for constant vigilance in shared waterways.

Government Response and Compensation

In response to the tragedy, government officials have taken swift action to address the immediate needs of the victims and their families. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged further compensation from the PM relief fund, demonstrating the national government’s commitment to supporting those affected by this devastating incident.

As the nation mourns the loss of life and grapples with the implications of this maritime disaster, the focus now turns to learning from this tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future. The coming weeks and months will likely see increased scrutiny of maritime safety measures and a reevaluation of procedures for both military and civilian vessels operating in busy coastal areas.

Sources:

  1. Mumbai: 13 dead as Navy speed boat on engine trials hits ferry off Elephanta
  2. Two missing and 13 dead after navy speedboat hits ferry off Mumbai
  3. At least 13 dead after Indian navy speedboat crashes into a passenger ferry

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