13 dead as naval boat rams into ferry off Mumbai coast

At least 13 persons, including a naval official, lost their lives and 101 others were rescued after a naval vessel collided with a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai today.

The Navy said the accident occurred when a “Navy craft (a speedboat) undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry ‘Neel Kamal’ off Karanja, Mumbai.” The ferry was carrying passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

“The accident has led to the loss of 13 lives, including one naval official and two persons who are employed with the speedboat-making company. They were onboard the Naval craft for the trials,” the Navy said. Search and Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and the Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats are undertaking rescue efforts. The survivors were picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area and have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision.”