Mumbai Ferry Tragedy Photos: Naval vessel lost control and collided with ‘Neel Kamal’, 13 lives lost in the sea

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

Nagpur : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur that 101 people have been rescued from the horrific accident that took place on Wednesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in a post on ‘X’ that he is deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collision of a naval vessel with a ferry in Mumbai port. Those injured in the incident are being treated immediately.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

A major accident took place on Wednesday December 18 , 2024 near the Mumbai coast in Maharashtra. 13 people died and 101 others were rescued when a naval ship collided with a boat here. According to the Navy, the naval ship was going for engine testing, but at four o’clock in the evening it lost control and collided with a boat named Neelkamal near Karanja. This boat was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to the popular tourist destination ‘Elephanta’ island.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

Coast Guard and Marine Police took charge
The Navy said that the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police immediately started search and rescue efforts. The help of four Navy helicopters, 11 Navy boats, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats was taken in the rescue operation.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

One Navy employee also among the dead
According to the Navy, with the help of Navy and other ships, the survivors were taken to the nearby jetty and then admitted to hospitals. So far 101 people have been rescued. 13 people have died in the accident, including one Navy employee and two people from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) on board the Navy ship.

Compensation announced
Mumbai Police said that the deceased include seven men, four women and two children. Along with search and rescue operations at the site, accounts of all the employees are also being prepared. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that 101 people have been rescued in this incident. By 7:30 pm, Navy doctors declared 13 people dead, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel. Two seriously injured Navy personnel have been admitted to the Navy Hospital. CM Fadnavis announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of those who died in this tragedy.

Identification of the 10 dead
Late night, the police released the names of the 10 people killed in the incident after they were identified. Mahendra Singh Shekhawat (Navy), Praveen Sharma (NAD boatman), Mangesh (NAD boatman), Mohammad Rehan Qureshi (passenger), Rakesh Nanaji Ahire (passenger), Safiyana Pathan, Mahi Pawara, Akshata Rakesh Ahire, Mithu Rakesh Ahire and Deepak V. died in the incident. Two women and one man among the dead have not been identified yet.

FIR lodged at Colaba police station in south Mumbai

An official associated with the case said that an FIR has been registered at Colaba police station in south Mumbai under relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) against the pilot of the naval boat and others responsible for the tragedy. The FIR was registered on the complaint of Natharam Chaudhary (22), a resident of Sakinaka, Mumbai.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

Identification of the 10 dead
Late night, the police released the names of the 10 people killed in the incident after they were identified. Mahendra Singh Shekhawat (Navy), Praveen Sharma (NAD boatman), Mangesh (NAD boatman), Mohammad Rehan Qureshi (passenger), Rakesh Nanaji Ahire (passenger), Safiyana Pathan, Mahi Pawara, Akshata Rakesh Ahire, Mithu Rakesh Ahire and Deepak V. died in the incident. Two women and one man among the dead have not been identified yet.

Tourists at Gate Way of India

Tourists barred from entering Gateway of India

Following the incident in Maharashtra, the police on Wednesday December 18 , 2024 barred the entry of tourists to the popular Gateway of India landmark in south Mumbai and suspended ferry services. However, Mumbai-Alibaug ferry services continued to operate till evening.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

Silence prevails in the area

Generally the Gateway of India remains a centre of attraction for tourists in the evening, but on Wednesday evening the atmosphere here was completely quiet. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said in a statement that its personnel rescued 56 people.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

PM Modi announced ex-gratia
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased in the accident. According to the PMO, the Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the families of each deceased in the boat accident in Mumbai. The injured will be given Rs 50,000.

Mumbai Ferry Tragedy – Photo: PTI

Condolences to the bereaved families: PM Modi
PM Modi said that the boat accident in Mumbai is tragic. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. The affected people are being provided assistance by the authorities