Navy Speedboat Crashes into Ferry, Leaving 13 Dead

(PatriotNews.net) – Off the coast of Mumbai, a disaster unfolded as an Indian navy speedboat collided with a ferry, leading to a tragic loss of life.

At a Glance

A naval speedboat collided with the ferry “Neel Kamal,” resulting in 13 deaths.
The collision occurred during engine trials of the speedboat.
Rescue operations involved navy, Coast Guard, and private vessels.
A malfunction in the speedboat’s engine was noted in the preliminary investigation.

Tragic Maritime Collision

A naval speedboat undergoing engine tests lost control and crashed into the passenger ferry “Neel Kamal” near Elephanta Island, killing 13 people including navy personnel. The ferry was carrying over 100 passengers to Elephanta Island, famous for its ancient Hindu temple caves. Fortunately, 99 passengers were rescued after the tragic collision.

Eyewitnesses claimed they witnessed the naval vessel speeding and thought it was performing stunts before it struck the ferry. Rescue efforts, coordinated by the navy and civilian teams, were launched swiftly using four helicopters and 11 naval crafts. The chaos and panic that followed the incident were captured in viral videos circulating on social media, further showcasing the gravity of the collision.

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

Responding to the Crisis

Officials quickly launched an investigation. The navy’s preliminary findings indicated an “engine malfunction” in the speedboat. Inquiries have been initiated by both the Navy and the Chief Minister to determine the cause of the loss of control. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at sea, as a similar incident involving a submarine occurred off Goa’s coast last month.

“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.” – Navy statement

Efforts have been intensified to rescue the missing individuals, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has promised compensation for victims’ families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended support by announcing compensation from the PM relief fund. Discrepancies were reported in the ferry’s capacity and available safety equipment, further complicating the situation.

Tragic boat collision near Gateway of India in #Mumbai

13 including one #Navy personnel killed in the accident

'No life jackets, safety measure,' local commuters share with #MirrorNow @shwetaa_verma | @anchorAnjaliP pic.twitter.com/MTAkgLSgKO

— Mirror Now (@MirrorNow) December 19, 2024

Safety Concerns and Moving Forward

The accident has spotlighted the need for strict adherence to maritime safety protocols. Survivors have reported overcrowding and insufficient instructions from the ferry staff immediately after the crash. Initiatives are underway to assess safety lapses, with authorities intent on ensuring that such incidents do not occur again.

The Indian Navy and relevant bodies continue to investigate the causes. This tragedy underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and the imperative need for accountability in preventing future maritime accidents.