13 dead, 99 rescued as Navy speed boat rams into ferry off Mumbai coast

Thirteen people, including a Navy official, died as a naval vessel collided with a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday.

The Navy said the accident occurred when the Navy speed boat undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with the passenger ferry, Neelkamal, off Karanja, Mumbai.

The ferry was carrying passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

The accident led to the loss of 13 lives, including a navy personnel and two persons employed with the speed boat-making company. They were on board the naval boat for the trials, the Navy said.

Search and rescue efforts were launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, a Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats are carrying out the rescue work.

The survivors were picked up by the Navy and civil craft in the area and have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity.  So far 99 people have been rescued.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Extensive search & rescue efforts are ongoing by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, deploying multiple assets, to locate missing persons.”