MUMBAI: The death toll from the tragic collision between a passenger ferry and an Indian Navy speedboat off the Mumbai coast has risen to 15, following the recovery of a seven-year-old boy’s body on Saturday morning. The boy, identified as Zohan Pathan, had been missing since the December 18 incident.
The collision occurred when a Navy speedboat, undergoing engine trials, lost control and struck the passenger ferry ‘Neelkamal,’ which was en route to Elephanta Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts thousands of tourists annually. The ferry, reportedly carrying more than its permitted capacity of 84 passengers, capsized due to the impact.
Rescue operations involved naval helicopters, divers, and boats. While 99 individuals were pulled from the water, 15 lives were tragically lost, including three Navy personnel. The Indian Navy has launched an investigation into one of the deadliest incidents in Mumbai’s harbor area.
In the aftermath of the accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the victims’ families and announced ex-gratia payments of ₹200,000 for the deceased’s next of kin and ₹50,000 for the injured. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has revoked the ferry’s license, citing violations of the Inland Vessel Act due to overloading.
Authorities have also filed a case against the Navy craft operator, with charges including negligence and endangering public safety. Investigators aim to uncover the reasons behind the Navy speedboat’s loss of control and the ferry’s overloading to prevent future maritime tragedies.
Source: Web Team C6N
