Mumbai — In a tragic incident off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday afternoon, at least 13 people lost their lives after a Navy vessel collided with a passenger ferry, the Neel Kamal, en route to Elephanta Island. The accident occurred around 3:55 PM, prompting an immediate and large-scale rescue operation by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local police forces.
The ferry, which was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to the popular Elephanta Island, was struck by a Navy craft undergoing engine trials near Karanja. According to a Defence Spokesperson, the Navy craft lost control and veered into the path of the ferry, resulting in the deadly collision.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the news, stating that 101 passengers aboard the ferry were rescued, but 13 people were declared dead by 7:30 PM. The deceased include three personnel from the Indian Navy and ten civilians, with the bodies of the victims being transported to various mortuaries across the city.
“Two critically injured passengers have been admitted to a Naval hospital,” Fadnavis added. “The rescue operation is still ongoing.”
In response to the tragedy, Fadnavis announced a joint inquiry into the incident, to be conducted by both the Maharashtra government and the Indian Navy. He also declared an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of the deceased, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of each deceased. Modi also pledged Rs 50,000 for the injured.
The Navy has launched extensive search and rescue operations, utilizing four naval helicopters, 11 naval crafts, one Coast Guard boat, and three Marine Police boats. These efforts, coordinated with the Coast Guard and local police, helped rescue dozens of survivors, who were subsequently transferred to nearby jetties and hospitals for treatment.
“Search and Rescue efforts are being carried out continuously,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement. “The Navy is also working to account for all personnel on board the craft involved in the accident.”
Authorities said that the bodies of ten victims have been kept at Mora Hospital, while two others are at the Naval Dockyard Hospital, and one at JNPT Hospital. The identities of the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
The ferry, Neel Kamal, was making its regular trip to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot, when the mishap occurred. Earlier, police reported that the ferry was struck by the Navy craft, causing it to capsize. The swift intervention of rescue teams helped prevent further casualties, though initial reports suggested that 30 to 35 people may have drowned.
Local leaders expressed their shock and grief over the incident. Shiv Sena MLA Aaditya Thackeray, who represents the Worli constituency, offered prayers for the passengers, expressing hope that all survivors would be safely rescued. “This is a very tragic incident,” Thackeray said on X (formerly Twitter). “Rescue operations are underway, and I pray that all the passengers are brought to safety.”
NCP MP Supriya Sule called the incident “very sad and unfortunate,” extending her condolences to the families of the victims. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, whose constituency includes the Gateway of India, called for a thorough investigation. “A very unfortunate incident took place in the Mumbai harbour today,” Narwekar said. “We must ensure that a remedy plan is prepared to avoid such incidents in the future.”
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, praised the efforts of rescue teams and emphasized that the priority was to save lives. “A detailed inquiry will be conducted later, but right now the focus is on ensuring the safety of the passengers,” he told reporters.
The incident has shaken Mumbai, highlighting the dangers faced by passengers traveling across the city’s busy waters. Authorities are likely to review safety protocols and maritime operations to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
