A search operation is ongoing to locate a 7-year-old boy who went missing following a tragic boat collision off the Mumbai coast two days ago. The crash occurred when a Navy craft collided with a ferry carrying over 100 passengers near the Gateway of India, en route to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot.
The incident, which took place on December 18, resulted in the deaths of 14 passengers, with 99 others rescued by Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police personnel. The search efforts, including naval helicopters and boats, are focused on finding the missing child. On Thursday evening, the body of a 43-year-old man was recovered, bringing the death toll to 14.
The accident occurred when the Navy vessel, undergoing engine trials, lost control and rammed into the ferry, “Neel Kamal.” The ferry was authorized to carry only 84 passengers and 6 crew members, but it was found to be overloaded at the time of the crash, according to the Maharashtra Maritime Board. The Navy has launched an investigation into the crash, which is considered one of the deadliest in the city’s harbour area.
A case has been registered against the Navy craft’s operator at the Colaba police station, with sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) invoked for charges including negligence, rash navigation, and causing wrongful loss. The damaged ferry has been moved to Bhaucha Dhakka for further examination, while the Navy has taken custody of the accident-affected vessel for investigation.
