Mumbai Ferry Collision: Naval Speedboat Tragedy Leaves 13 Dead
A Mumbai ferry collision involving a naval speedboat claimed the lives of 13 people, leaving two passengers missing, according to officials. The accident occurred on Wednesday near the harbor as the ferry headed toward Elephanta Caves, a popular tourist site.
The Indian navy confirmed an engine malfunction caused the speedboat to lose control and strike the ferry. Eyewitnesses reported the boat circling erratically before the fatal collision.
“A navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry,” the navy stated, expressing regret over the loss of lives.
Among the deceased were three navy personnel, while more than 100 passengers were rescued. The ferry later capsized, adding urgency to ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Eyewitness Accounts and Passenger Experiences
Survivors described the incident as chaotic and terrifying. Gautam Gupta, who was filming the speedboat, initially mistook its erratic movement for stunts. The crash left passengers scrambling to safety, with some swimming for 15 minutes before being rescued.
First responder Arif Bamane recounted the scene, saying, “Cries for help came from every direction.” Survivors criticized ferry staff for failing to provide guidance during the emergency.
Government and Navy Response
An inquiry has been launched to determine the exact cause of the collision. According to a navy official, ferries and speedboats have designated routes to avoid such incidents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the victims’ families and announced compensation of ₹200,000 ($2,352) for each deceased passenger’s family and ₹50,000 for the injured.
This is the second maritime accident in recent weeks. On 22 November, a submarine collided with a fishing trawler off the coast of Goa, leaving two people missing.
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