A private ferryboat heading to Elephanta Island in Mumbai capsized on Wednesday afternoon after colliding with a speedboat. According to officials, 13 passengers have lost their lives, while at least 98 others have been rescued.
Incident Details
The tragic accident occurred around 5:15 PM near Uran in Karanja. The ferry, named Neelkamal, had departed from the Gateway of India at approximately 3:15 PM with 80 passengers on board.
The boat owner, Rajendra Patade, alleged that a high-speed Navy boat caused the collision. “The Navy’s speedboat hit the ferryboat with such force that it broke into two pieces,” he claimed. Former MLC Jayant Patil, present at the site, corroborated this, stating the impact of the crash led to the ferry splitting apart.
Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts began immediately, involving multiple agencies, including:
- The Navy
- Coast Guard
- Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)
- Yellow Gate Police
- Local fishermen also joined the operation, using their boats to assist in rescuing passengers.
By 5:45 PM, the first group of rescued individuals was brought to the Gateway of India, where they were escorted to the Colaba police station for further inquiries.
Maharashtra CM’s Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a statement on X, expressing grief over the accident. He assured citizens that all necessary resources were being deployed for the rescue operation. “Fortunately, the majority of passengers have been rescued. Efforts are still ongoing to save more lives,” he wrote.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding the collision. The role of the Navy speedboat and the condition of the ferry are being closely examined to determine responsibility for the tragedy.
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