A devastating collision between an Indian Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near Mumbai, India, on Wednesday claimed 13 lives, including a naval officer and two personnel from the boat’s manufacturer.
The accident occurred at 4 pm off Karanja, Mumbai, during engine trials of the naval craft, which lost control and struck the ferry, Neel Kamal.
The ferry, carrying 110 passengers en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, capsized shortly after the crash. Among the dead were ten ferry passengers and three individuals aboard the navy craft. The remaining 102 passengers, including two survivors from the speedboat, were rescued by a joint operation involving the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Police, and local fishermen.
Footage of the collision, captured from the ferry, surfaced online, showing the speedboat circling uncontrollably before crashing. Survivors recounted harrowing moments as water poured into the ferry and it tilted dangerously. “The driver told us to wear lifejackets. I swam for 15 minutes before being rescued,” one passenger shared with local media.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, describing the incident as “saddening,” and announced ₹2 lakh (AUD 3,600) compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 (AUD 900) for the injured.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed their sorrow, with Fadnavis pledging ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for victims’ families.
The rescue operation deployed 11 Navy boats, a Coast Guard vessel, and four helicopters. Police and local authorities are investigating the incident, with an FIR expected soon.
The ferry, Neel Kamal, was headed to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Elephanta Caves, a popular tourist destination. Despite its tragic end, the accident highlighted the bravery of the rescue teams and passengers, who worked tirelessly to save lives in the aftermath of the collision.
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