Mumbai: At least 13 people died when an Indian naval boat collided with a passenger ferry with more than 100 passengers which then capsized off the coast of financial capital Mumbai on Wednesday, officials said.
The navy said 99 people were rescued with efforts ongoing for others. According to the Mumbai police, the deceased included seven men, four women and two children. The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination. FIR under relevant sections of the new criminal code BNS was registered at the Colaba police station in south Mumbai against the Navy speed boat driver and others responsible for the tragedy.
The privately-owned passenger boat, called Neelkamal, was heading towards the Elephanta caves, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Mumbai, when it capsized, BMC said.
“An Indian Navy 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,” the Navy said in a statement on X.
Responding to the Indian Navy, President of India Shri Droupadi Murmu has expressed shock and grief over the incident. “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the accident involving a passenger ferryboat and an Indian Navy craft boat near Mumbai Harbour. My condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. I pray for the swift success of the rescue and relief operations and a quick recovery of the survivors”, President wrote on X.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. In addition to this, President Droupadi Murmu condoles the death of the people who lost their lives in the Mumbai Boat accident near the Gateway of India.
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