“An Indian navy ship lost control while testing its engine at Mumbai port. But due to an engine problem, the ship collided with a passenger ferry, causing the ferry to capsize,” according to Reuters. Statement from the Indian Navy on December 18.
A passenger boat in Mumbai (India) on December 18, 2024
The Indian Navy said 99 people were rescued and rescue efforts were underway to save others. Maharashtra state (India) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the passenger ferry Neelkamal tilted and sank after the collision. 100 victims were rescued, but 13 people died in the accident.
Indian media said the ferry was carrying 110 people, including 20 children. On the navy boat were two soldiers and four members of the engine manufacturing company. According to the Indian Navy, among the dead were a soldier and two representatives of the engine manufacturer mounted on the boat participating in the test.
Narrating the incident, a passenger on the boat told ABP Majha news channel: “The speedboat hit our boat and water started pouring into the boat causing it to capsize. The boat driver asked us to wearing a life jacket. I swam for 15 minutes before being rescued by another boat.”
“The boat accident in Mumbai is very sad. My condolences to the families whose loved ones died,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr. Modi also announced that he would give compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,356) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the relatives of each person killed in the accident. Each person injured in the ferry capsizing incident will also receive 50,000 rupees.
