Mumbai: In a shocking incident, a ferry which was travelling from Mumbai's Gateway of India to Elephanta Island started sinking in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday. There are reports that around 100 passengers were onboard the ferry when the incident occurred. Rescue operation being carried and the passengers are being taken out from the sinking boat. Around 13 people have lost their lives in the tragic incident caused after the collision of a speed boat with the ferry with over 100 passengers onboard.
The boat named Neelkamal was traveling with over 100 passengers onboard. A rescue operation is underway by the defense forces. Neelkamal ferry boat was hit by the Pilot vessel at stern which led to the capsize of the boat. The incident occurred near Uran, Kunja.
As per reports, a speed boat which is said to be a patrolling boat of the Indian Navy collided with the ferry from behind due to which the ferry capsized. The collision led to the boat overturning, with around 100 passengers onboard. Rescue operations were immediately launched in coordination with the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police.
The moment when the boat hit the ferry was caught on camera and it can be seen in the video that a passenger on the ferry was recording the video of the speed boat which went out of control and rammed into the ferry. The ferry started sinking due to the impact of the speed boat.
A total of 15 boats have been deployed in the area, including 11 Navy boats, 3 Marine Police boats, and 1 Coast Guard boat. Additionally, four helicopters are actively conducting search and rescue (SAR) missions to locate and assist survivors. So far, 99 people have been rescued from the waters. Unfortunately, 13 casualties have been confirmed. The exact number of missing persons and potential casualties remains uncertain as the rescue efforts continue.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, "We have received reports of an accident involving the boat Nilkamal, which was heading towards Elephanta. Boats from the Navy, Coast Guard, Port and Police teams have been immediately dispatched for assistance. We are in constant touch with the district and police administration and fortunately most of the citizens have been rescued. However, rescue operations are still underway. Orders have been given to the district administration to deploy all the necessary machinery for the rescue operation."
