In a tragic incident on Wednesday, several people lost their lives when a ferry, the Neelkamal, capsized off the Mumbai coast while en route to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot. The accident occurred near Butcher Island when a naval speed craft, undergoing trials, lost control and collided with the ferry, which was carrying over 100 passengers and five crew members.
Key details:
- The Neelkamal ferry was headed to Elephanta Island.
- The Navy speed boat crashed into the ferry around 4 pm, causing it to capsize.
- Thirteen people died, including 10 civilians and 3 Navy personnel.
- 101 survivors were rescued, and two others were critically injured and transferred to a Navy hospital.
- A major rescue operation was launched, involving 4 naval helicopters, 11 naval crafts, a Coast Guard boat, and three marine police vessels.
- The search and rescue efforts were supported by personnel from the police, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, and local fishermen.
In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the families of the deceased will receive ₹5 lakh from the CM’s relief fund. Investigations by the police and Navy are underway, and the final count of missing people will be updated by tomorrow morning.