A tragic incident occurred near the Gateway of India in Mumbai on Wednesday when a Navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people. The accident took place in the afternoon, and first responders described the scene as chaotic, with passengers desperately calling for help.
Arif Bamane, a driver for the Mumbai Port Trust, was among the first to arrive at the scene. He recounted how chaotic and heartbreaking the situation was, with people screaming and crying for assistance. Rescuers focused on saving women and children first, and Bamane’s team managed to rescue around 25 individuals. He noted that this was the largest rescue operation he had ever participated in.
Iqbal Gothekar, who also operated a small tourist boat, reached the accident site shortly after it happened. He recalled seeing people frantically waving their arms for help and described it as an unprecedented event in his career. His boat successfully rescued 16 passengers.
The ferry involved in the accident, named Neelkamal, had a capacity of 80 passengers but was reportedly carrying more than that number at the time of the collision. A survivor from Bengaluru mentioned that there were not enough life jackets available on board. He emphasized that passengers should have been required to wear life jackets when boarding.
In response to this tragedy, boat services in Mumbai have started implementing stricter safety measures, including providing life jackets to passengers. Many travelers noted that they had never received life jackets before this incident, suggesting that safety protocols were lacking.
According to the Navy, the accident happened when the speedboat lost control during engine trials due to a malfunction and collided with the ferry. An inquiry has been initiated to establish the precise cause of the incident.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister announced compensation for the families of those who died and assured thorough investigations by both local authorities and the Navy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of life in the boat accident and announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of each victim.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety regulations in maritime travel and underscores the need for stricter enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
