At least 13 people lost their lives, and over 100 passengers faced a terrifying ordeal when a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Mumbai on 18 December following a collision with an Indian Navy vessel.
Officials confirmed that 99 people were rescued, with search efforts ongoing for others. The mishap occurred when the navy boat, conducting engine trials, lost control due to an engine malfunction and struck the passenger ferry, the Navy stated, Reuters reports.
Today afternoon, an #IndianNavy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized.
13 fatalities have been reported so far. Survivors rescued from the…
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 18, 2024
Eyewitness accounts described panic as water began flooding the ferry after the collision. One survivor recounted swimming for 15 minutes before being rescued. The privately-owned ferry, Neelkamal, was en route to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, a popular tourist destination known for its ancient rock-cut sculptures.
According to Reuters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced financial assistance of 200,000 rupees for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
Rescue operations continue as authorities investigate the incident.