Mumbai – A tragic collision off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday (December 18, 2024) between a Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry has left two individuals still missing, including a man and a child. The collision, which occurred around 4 PM near Butcher Island, about 8 kilometers from the Gateway of India, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, with 98 others rescued, including two injured.
Authorities are continuing their search for the missing passengers – 43-year-old Hansraj Bhati and 7-year-old Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan – with the assistance of the Navy and the Coast Guard, a police official confirmed on Thursday.
The Incident
The ill-fated ferry, Neel Kamal, was carrying over 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination, when it was rammed by a Navy vessel undergoing engine trials. The Navy boat lost control and struck the passenger ferry, leading to the tragic mishap. The crash resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including a Navy personnel and two contractual employees of the naval forces.
While 98 people were rescued from both the Navy craft and the ferry, two others sustained injuries. The ongoing search for the missing passengers is a priority for the rescue teams.
Identity of the Deceased
On Thursday, police released the names of 10 of the 13 people who lost their lives in the accident. The victims included seven men, four women, and two children. Among the deceased were Mahendra Singh Shekhawat, a Navy personnel, and two workers on the Navy’s boat, Praveen Sharma and Mangesh. Additionally, several passengers from the ferry were killed, including Mohammad Rehan Qureshi, Rakesh Nanaji Ahire, Safiana Pathan, and young Mahi Pawara (aged 3).
The identities of two women and one male victim are yet to be confirmed by the police.
A String of Accidents
This tragic accident marks the second such incident involving the Indian Navy in less than a month. On November 21, 2024, the submarine INS Karanj collided with a fishing vessel, FV Marthoma, in the Arabian Sea off the Goa coast, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The Navy has expressed regret over the incident and has launched an internal investigation to understand how its vessel lost control and collided with the ferry.
As the search for the missing passengers continues, authorities are urging the public to stay updated on official channels. The families of those affected are grieving the loss of their loved ones, and many await further details on the investigation.