Thirteen people lost their lives, and 99 others were rescued after a Navy craft, undergoing engine trials, collided with a passenger ferry near Karanja, Mumbai, on Wednesday. The tragic accident unfolded around 4 p.m. as the ferry, en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, was struck by the Navy vessel. The incident left many first responders shaken, as they encountered scenes of chaos and devastation.
The collision resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including one naval personnel and two OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) staff aboard the Navy craft. The victims, according to Mumbai police, included seven men, four women, and two children. Following the incident, the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police worked together to rescue 99 survivors.
Arif Bamane, the driver of the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT) pilot boat Poorva, was among the first on the scene. Describing the tragedy, Bamane recalled hearing screams and cries for help as survivors struggled in the water. He vividly remembered a young girl, who was motionless after taking in water. After performing chest compressions, rescuers managed to revive her, and her breathing gradually returned to normal. Bamane and his team prioritized rescuing women and children.
“We tried to save as many people as possible,” Bamane said, recounting how his team rescued around 20-25 victims before transferring them to naval boats that arrived shortly after. Bamane, who has 18 years of experience as a boat driver, described this as the most horrific rescue operation he had ever participated in.
Iqbal Gothekar, another boat driver who was among the first to respond, shared his experience. Gothekar, who had departed Elephanta Island at 3:35 p.m., received an alert about the accident 25 to 30 minutes later. Upon reaching the capsized ferry, Gothekar saw people frantically waving for help. Alongside a fishing trawler, Gothekar’s boat rescued 16 people, safely bringing them back to the Gateway of India. “I’ve never witnessed such an incident in my career,” he remarked.
The capsized ferry, which had a capacity of 80 passengers, had departed from the Gateway of India about 45 minutes before the collision occurred near Butcher Island. The tragic incident has left Mumbai in shock, with many remembering the bravery of the first responders who acted swiftly in the face of devastation.
