MUMBAI: A routine ferry trip to Elephanta Island turned into a nightmare on Wednesday evening when a naval speedboat collided with a crowded tourist vessel near Mumbai’s Gateway of India. The crash claimed 13 lives, exposing glaring gaps in maritime safety.
What started as a idyllic ride through the waters near Butcher Island descended into chaos and despair, as passengers fought to survive in the aftermath of the collision. Among the victims were a naval sailor, engineers on a trial mission, and unsuspecting tourists whose journey took an irreversible turn toward disaster.
Neel Kamal: Rescue efforts
The ferry, Neel Kamal, sank following the collision, prompting an extensive rescue operation.
Initial assistance was provided by a trawler and pilot boats from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), which reached the site within 20 minutes.
It is yet to be confirmed whether a distress signal was sent or if nearby vessels raised the alarm. Officials noted that timely arrival of JNPT boats equipped with life jackets likely prevented higher casualties.
The Navy, Coast Guard, and marine police joined the rescue effort, deploying eleven naval boats, three Coast Guard vessels and three marine police craft, along with four helicopters.
Survivors were transported to hospitals and authorities are working to confirm whether any individuals remain unaccounted for.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that a detailed report is expected by Thursday morning.
Suspected technical fault behind crash
The speedboat involved, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), was undergoing engine trials when a suspected fault caused it to veer off course and crash into the ferry. Video footage taken by passengers showed the speedboat unable to steer away, leading to the collision.
The Navy has launched an inquiry and police have filed an FIR against the speedboat operator and others for negligence and reckless navigation.
Harrowing survivor accounts
Passengers on the ferry included residents from Mumbai and tourists from various parts of India, including West Bengal, Kerala and Rajasthan, as well as a few foreign nationals.
Survivors described chaotic scenes as water began flooding the vessel. One passenger, Ashok, recounted swimming for 15 minutes after the ferry capsized, expressing frustration over the delayed arrival of rescue teams.
Concerns over naval vessel practices
Subhash More, a local boat operator, alleged that naval boats frequently operate dangerously close to ferries, destabilising them. He claimed that multiple complaints to naval authorities had been ignored, with requests to maintain a safe distance going unheeded.
Police and legal actions
The ferry, owned by Mahesh Tours and Travels, was operated by the Padte family.
Sunil Padte, one of the proprietors, has been questioned by police. Survivor Natharam Choudhary filed a formal complaint against the speedboat crew, resulting in charges under the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita for negligence and endangering lives.
Aftermath and security measures
In response to the tragedy, police have heightened security at the Gateway of India, halting tourist access. Offices of boat operators in the area, typically bustling with activity, remain closed as the investigation continues.
Ambulances and emergency personnel remain stationed at the site as authorities work to uncover the full details of the incident.
Lack of safety measures exposed
Despite carrying a sizable stock of life jackets, none of the passengers or crew aboard the Neel Kamal ferry had strapped them on until the vessel began to sink.
A senior port official attributed this to inadequate safety enforcement and a lack of vigilance by both the ferry operator and regulatory authorities.
Officials involved in the rescue operation noted that the timely arrival of the JNPT pilot boat, equipped with life jackets, likely prevented the tragedy from escalating further. “While it is mandatory to store life jackets on boats, passengers rarely wear them unless faced with an emergency. This general lethargy can prove fatal,” said the port official.
Sources close to maritime authorities emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.
“Licensing authorities must penalise operators who fail to ensure that life jackets are provided and used by all passengers,” they stated, underscoring the importance of proactive safety measures to avoid such disasters in the future.
Man who flung into air recounts horror
“I was filming the speedboat, assuming it was performing stunts, when it suddenly collided with our ferry,” recounted Gautam Gupta, 25, who captured the viral video moments before the crash. “To my shock and horror, the impact flung one of the speedboat’s passengers into the air. He landed on our ferry’s deck, right next to me, his lifeless body gruesomely injured.”
Gupta, who survived the capsizing, is currently undergoing treatment at St George’s Hospital alongside his cousin, Rinta Gupta, 30. However, his aunt remains unaccounted for.
