Tragedy strikes off Mumbai coast: 13 dead as navy boat crashes into ferry

A catastrophic maritime collision off the Mumbai coast has left 13 dead after an Indian Navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry. The tragedy unfolded near Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination known for its ancient Hindu temples. Witness accounts and initial investigations reveal the navy craft, conducting engine tests, lost control and crashed into the ferry, sparking widespread panic among the passengers onboard.

The ferry, identified as “Neelkamal,” carried over 100 passengers, many of whom were tourists. Among the deceased were a navy personnel and two members from the naval craft. Rescuers saved 99 ferry passengers through a coordinated effort involving navy vessels, civilian boats, helicopters, and divers. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, though several remain traumatised.

The collision highlights glaring questions about maritime safety protocols in the region. This tragic accident echoes concerns raised in similar incidents, including a recent collision in November involving the Indian Navy submarine INS Karanj and a fishing trawler, which claimed two lives and caused extensive damage. Experts suggest a need for stricter guidelines governing vessel maneuvers during testing operations in busy waterways like Mumbai.

Survivors Recall Harrowing Moments

Passengers onboard the ferry described scenes of chaos and fear. A survivor from Hyderabad recounted seeing the naval vessel circling dangerously close to the ferry. Moments later, the high-speed craft crashed, flooding the ferry with seawater and causing the captain to issue an urgent call to don life jackets. Lacking sufficient life-saving equipment, many passengers were forced to leap into the sea.

Another survivor from Bengaluru questioned the ferry’s preparedness, citing an insufficient number of life jackets and delayed emergency measures. This has reignited public debate over the safety standards maintained by passenger ferries in one of India‘s busiest maritime zones.

Navy Investigation Underway

The Indian Navy has launched an extensive investigation to determine the precise cause of the collision. Questions about whether adequate safety distances were maintained during the naval tests remain unanswered. Maritime experts have called for a detailed review of protocols, with an emphasis on preventing such accidents in high-traffic areas.

The collision also underscores the potential risks posed by uncoordinated naval activities in shared waterways. Experts believe that better communication systems and designated testing zones could help mitigate risks. A retired naval officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed the importance of simulation-based training for naval personnel to prepare for emergency scenarios.

Broader Implications For Maritime Safety

This accident follows a troubling pattern of maritime mishaps in the region. Analysts note that India’s growing naval presence must be matched with robust safety measures to prevent civilian casualties. Critics argue that maritime traffic management systems in regions like Mumbai need urgent upgrades to accommodate increased naval activity.

Public safety advocates have also urged the government to enforce stricter regulations for passenger ferries, particularly regarding the availability of life-saving equipment and crew training. Many believe these measures could significantly reduce the loss of life in future incidents.

As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left grieving their loss. Meanwhile, the government faces growing pressure to implement comprehensive reforms to address systemic failures exposed by this tragedy.