Thirteen people lost their lives in Mumbai on Wednesday, December 28, when a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, collided with an Indian Navy craft undergoing engine trials and capsized en route to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India.
Among the deceased were 10 civilians and 3 Navy personnel, including 2 children, 7 men, and 4 women. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that 101 passengers were rescued and are receiving medical attention at nearby jetties and hospitals.
The accident of a passenger boat belonging to Neelkamal Company in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai is deeply tragic and unfortunate.
As per the information received till 7:30 pm, 101 passengers have been safely rescued.
As per the info given by Navy’s Vice Admiral Sanjay Jagjit… pic.twitter.com/CMjmWqBxA4
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 18, 2024
The accident occurred near Jawahar Dweep, also known as Butcher Island, around 4 PM, when the Navy craft reportedly lost control due to an engine malfunction and rammed into the ferry.
In a swift response, the Indian Navy launched an extensive rescue operation alongside the Marine Police and the Coast Guard, deploying 11 naval craft, 3 Marine Police boats, and 1 Coast Guard vessel. Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also assisted in the rescue.
The Navy issued a statement acknowledging its craft’s loss of control during trials, which caused the collision.
In addition to the Prime Minister’s relief, Chief Minister Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh from the state relief fund for the families of those who lost their lives. Injured survivors will receive ₹50,000 as financial aid.
Eyewitness accounts from rescue boat operators revealed the harrowing nature of the accident. Arif Bamane, a driver with the Mumbai Port Trust, described the scene as “tragic and chaotic,” with survivors screaming for help. Another driver, Iqbal Gothekar, recounted survivors waving frantically to signal their distress.
An FIR has been filed at Colaba Police Station by a survivor, Natharam Chaudhary, under Cr no. 283/24, invoking sections 106(1), 125(a)(b), 282, and 324(3)(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case includes charges against the Navy craft’s driver and others deemed responsible for the incident.
