An Indian Navy speedboat undergoing engine trials collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal (1983-built, IMO 8316558) off the coast of Mumbai on December 18th, resulting in significant casualties.
According to an official statement from the Navy, the accident occurred at ~4:00 p.m. when the naval craft lost control during trials.
The collision led to the tragic loss of 13 lives, including a naval officer, 2 representatives from the equipment manufacturer on the boat, and 10 passengers from the ferryboat.
The passenger ship, carrying 110 passengers, was en route from Gateway of India (Mumbai's arch-monument) to Elephanta Island (Mumbai Harbour).
A total of 102 ferry passengers were rescued along with 2 survivors from the navy boat, which had a total of 5 individuals onboard.
Initial reports suggested the ferry began sinking following the collision, though specific details regarding the cause remain under investigation.
Authorities confirmed the incident was captured on video by passengers aboard the ferry, with footage emerging ~2 hours after the collision. Rescue efforts, coordinated by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, involved 11 navy boats, 3 marine police vessels, and a Coast Guard craft, supported by 4 helicopters. Personnel from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, local police, and area fishermen also contributed to the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, describing the event as deeply saddening, and announced financial aid of ₹2 lakh (US$2354) for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 (US$58856) for the injured.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh voiced his sorrow over the loss of lives, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh (US$5,885) from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victims' families.
The Colaba Police Station initiated the process of filing a First Information Report (FIR) related to the accident.
Meanwhile, additional visuals from the scene depict survivors wearing life jackets being transferred to rescue vessels as the ferry tilted towards the water.