Mumbai Boat Accident:
In a heart-wrenching Mumbai Boat Accident off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, a tragic collision between a naval craft and a passenger ferry claimed the lives of 13 people, leaving two others critically injured. The ferry, carrying over 100 passengers, was en route from the iconic Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination. This catastrophic event has left families devastated and raised serious questions about safety measures on the seas.
What Happened?
The Mumbai Boat Accident occurred near Butcher Island when a naval speed-craft, reportedly undergoing engine trials, lost control and rammed into the ferry named “Neelkamal.” The collision caused the ferry to capsize, plunging its passengers and crew into the waters. According to reports, the Neelkamal ferry had five crew members aboard, along with over 100 passengers, including families, tourists, and children.
Navy’s Statement and Police Action
The Indian Navy released a statement acknowledging that the mishap involved a naval craft undergoing engine trials. The statement revealed that the speed-craft lost control, leading to the fatal collision. Meanwhile, Mumbai police have registered an FIR at the Colaba police station under several sections of the recently introduced criminal code BNS. These sections pertain to causing death by negligence, endangering personal safety, rash or negligent navigation, and acts of mischief causing damage.
The FIR was based on a complaint filed by Natharam Chaudhary, a 22-year-old survivor from Mumbai’s Sakinaka area. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to uncover the exact sequence of events that led to this tragic incident.
Victims Identified
Police have identified 10 of the 13 deceased so far. The victims include:
Mahendra Singh Shekhawat (Navy personnel)
Praveen Sharma (NAD boat worker)
Mangesh (NAD boat worker)
Mohammad Rehan Qureshi (passenger)
Rakesh Nanaji Ahire (passenger)
Safiana Pathan (passenger)
Mahi Pawara (aged 3)
Akshata Rakesh Ahire (passenger)
Mithu Rakesh Ahire (aged 8)
Deepak V (passenger)
Two women and one man remain unidentified as authorities work diligently to contact families and provide clarity.
Condolences and Aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, announcing an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of each victim. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her condolences to the bereaved families. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured further support, promising ₹5 lakh from the CM Relief Fund for each affected family. He also stated that the incident would be thoroughly investigated by both the police and the Navy to ensure accountability.
Eye-Witness Accounts
Survivors and rescue personnel shared chilling accounts of the tragedy. Arif Bamane, a seasoned driver of the Mumbai Port Trust’s pilot boat, described the scene as “chaotic and tragic.” Having 18 years of experience, Bamane said he had never witnessed a rescue operation of such magnitude.
Another boat driver, Iqbal Gothekar, who has been navigating tourist ferries since 2004, described the desperate cries and frantic waving of passengers as they awaited rescue. “It was the most horrifying incident I’ve seen in my career,” he shared.
Rescue Operations
In the aftermath of the collision, multiple rescue boats rushed to the scene to save as many lives as possible. A total of 101 passengers were rescued, with several suffering minor injuries. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the water while battling strong currents and fading daylight.
Government Response and Promises
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis assured that a final report on the incident, including details about any missing persons, would be made available soon. He also highlighted the importance of investigating the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future. “We will ensure justice for the victims and their families,” he said.
Growing Concerns Over Maritime Safety
This tragic event has reignited concerns over the safety of passenger ferries and maritime operations in India. The fact that a naval craft, which was undergoing trials, caused such a catastrophic accident has raised questions about the protocols in place during such tests. Experts believe that stricter safety measures and better communication between naval authorities and civilian operations are crucial to avoid similar incidents.
The Road Ahead
As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on uncovering the root cause of the collision and ensuring accountability. Survivors and families of the victims are calling for stricter regulations and better oversight of maritime activities, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Mumbai.
A Somber Reminder
The Mumbai Boat Accidentc is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for stringent safety measures. While rescue operations brought hope to many families, the loss of 13 lives leaves an irreplaceable void. As India mourns this devastating incident, it’s imperative that lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.
