Mumbai, December 19, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Thirteen people, including an officer of the Indian Navy and two contractual naval employees, were killed when a naval speedboat which was carrying out engine trials dashed against a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, carrying over 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, on Wednesday afternoon. The boat capsized at Butcher island, also called Jawahar Dweep, 8.25 kilometers from the Gateway of India.
The passenger ferry had set sail at 3:15 pm and the mid-sea crash took place at 3:55 pm. Neel Kamal was carrying many people from out of town, some of who were visiting the city for the first time.
At 4 pm, personnel from a pilot vessel of the Jawaharlal Nehru Authority (JNPA), which was near the accident site, started rescue operations and saved 56 passengers. Soon after, a few private vessels collaborated in the operation and were eventually joined by Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police.
What the Navy says
A statement issued by Navy said: “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.”
Primary investigation by the Navy has shown that the engine of the Naval vessel had malfunctioned, HT has learnt from people in the know. The Navy will also investigate if the engines were of inferior quality. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Indian Navy have ordered two separate inquiries into the accident.
Soon after the incident, a message was sent to the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) of the Indian Navy and four helicopters were sent to search the missing. Vice Admiral Sanjay Singh who heads the Western Naval Command, and chief of staff Ajay Kocchar went to the JOC to supervise the rescue operations.
Summary: A Navy speed boat on engine trials crashed into a ferry near Elephanta, Mumbai, resulting in 13 fatalities.