The body of a seven-year-old boy, Zohan Pathan, who had been missing since the tragic ferry-Navy boat collision off the Mumbai coast on December 18, was discovered on Saturday. Zohan, along with his mother, was one of the victims of the crash. His mother also lost her life in the accident. Both hailed from Goa.
With the discovery of Zohan’s body, the death toll from the tragic incident rises to 15. Earlier this week, a 43-year-old man’s body was recovered, contributing to the increasing toll. The search and rescue (SAR) operations were carried out by the Indian Navy, deploying a naval helicopter and boats, along with the Coast Guard.
The crash occurred when a Navy boat, which was undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry, ‘Neel Kamal’. The ferry was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, carrying over 100 passengers, including tourists headed to the historic island with ancient caves. Following the collision, the ferry capsized, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
According to the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the ferry was carrying more passengers than permitted, with authorization for only 84 passengers and 6 crew members. Of the 113 people onboard the two vessels, 15 were confirmed dead, while 98 others, including two injured, were rescued. The Navy boat had six personnel onboard, two of whom survived.
The Indian Navy has launched an official investigation into the incident, one of the deadliest to occur in the city’s harbor area.
