In a heart-stopping incident off the Mumbai coast, an Indian Navy boat rammed and sank the tourist ferry, Neel Kamal, on December 18, 2024.The crash, which claimed the lives of 14 passengers, led to moments of extreme panic, especially among parents who feared for their children’s safety.
As the ferry began to sink, some terrified parents, overwhelmed by fear, considered throwing their children into the sea, hoping to save them. However, quick-thinking CISF marine commandos, led by constable Amol Savant, intervened, preventing any further chaos. Savant, along with two colleagues, was part of the rescue operation, arriving at the site within minutes after receiving the distress signal.
“We were on routine patrol when we got the message that the ferry was sinking. We sped to the scene and immediately focused on rescuing the children first,” Savant recalled. Despite the initial shock of the scene, Savant’s training kicked in, and he worked with his team to calm the frightened passengers. He assured parents that they would rescue the children, quickly taking six to seven kids aboard their boat before rescuing others.
The CISF jawans worked tirelessly, saving around 50-60 people, including many women and men. A foreign couple assisted with CPR, while Sub Inspector Sema guided a woman to safety, ensuring her life jacket stayed secure.
CISF personnel who were involved in the rescue undergo special training in marine operations and commando tactics. “Our team undergoes rigorous marine training at Chilika Lake in Odisha,” explained Deepak Verma, CISF spokesperson and DIG. “Their professionalism and commitment to saving lives during this critical operation is something we take immense pride in.”
The CISF team’s timely actions prevented further tragedy during the deadly ferry accident, highlighting their dedication and heroism.
