A tragic collision between an Indian Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near Mumbai has left 13 dead and raised questions about maritime safety protocols.
At a Glance
- An Indian Navy speedboat collided with the passenger ferry “Neelkamal” near Elephanta Island, resulting in 13 deaths
- The naval vessel was conducting engine trials when it lost control and crashed into the ferry carrying over 100 passengers
- Rescue operations involving naval and civilian teams saved 99 ferry passengers
- Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident and assess safety protocol lapses
- The incident has prompted scrutiny of maritime safety measures and vessel capacity regulations
Fatal Collision Details
On December 18, 2024, a catastrophic maritime accident occurred off the coast of Mumbai when an Indian Navy speedboat, undergoing engine trials, collided with the passenger ferry “Neelkamal.” The ferry was en route to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination known for its ancient Hindu cave temples, when the incident took place. The collision resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including an Indian Navy officer and two naval employees.
According to eyewitness accounts, the naval speedboat appeared to be performing stunts before it crashed into the ferry. The Navy’s preliminary investigation indicated a malfunction in the speedboat’s engine, leading to a loss of control. The impact caused significant damage to the ferry, which was carrying over 100 passengers at the time of the accident.
PM Narendra Modi extends his condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in the ferry accident today when an Indian Navy speedboat that was undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry off the Mumbai coast. pic.twitter.com/Kxa7gwvMGD
— NDTV (@ndtv) December 18, 2024
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
In the wake of the collision, a massive rescue operation was launched. The Indian Navy mobilized four helicopters and 11 naval vessels, while civilian rescue teams also joined the effort. Despite the challenging circumstances, rescuers managed to save 99 ferry passengers, transporting them to nearby jetties and medical facilities.
“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.” – a statement issued by the Navy.
The tragedy has prompted immediate action from government officials. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged additional compensation from the PM relief fund. Authorities have launched inquiries to determine the exact cause of the accident and assess any potential safety protocol lapses.
Thirteen People Killed When Indian Navy Speedboat Collides With Tourist Passenger Ferry off Coast of Mumbai #Travel #traveling #travelblogger #vacationmode
https://t.co/7NMPb8FKyj— TheTravel_com (@TheTravel_com_) December 19, 2024
Safety Concerns and Investigations
The incident has brought to light several safety concerns regarding maritime operations in the area. Survivors reported a lack of instructions from ferry staff after the collision, leading to chaos and panic among passengers. Questions have also been raised about the ferry’s passenger capacity and the availability of safety equipment.
“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.” said Padte.
An FIR has been filed against the driver of the naval speedboat for negligence and reckless navigation. The Navy has stated that ferries and speedboats typically have clearly marked paths to avoid collisions, raising questions about why this incident occurred. This tragedy follows a similar event in November when a submarine collided with a fishing trawler off Goa’s coast, further emphasizing the need for improved maritime safety measures.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the exact number of passengers on board the ferry and assess any potential violations of safety protocols. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict adherence to maritime safety regulations and the need for constant vigilance in protecting the lives of passengers and crew members alike.
Sources:
- Mumbai: 13 dead as Navy speed boat on engine trials hits ferry off Elephanta
- Two missing and 13 dead after navy speedboat hits ferry off Mumbai
- At least 13 dead after Indian navy speedboat crashes into a passenger ferry
