At least thirteen individuals lost their lives following a devastating collision between an Indian naval speedboat and a passenger ferry off Mumbai’s coast. According to a spokesman for the navy, three navy personnel are among the deceased. Maharashtra's chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, confirmed that more than 100 people were successfully rescued after the incident.
Videos circulating online depict the speedboat circling erratically before violently striking the ferry, which subsequently capsized. A malfunction in the speedboat's engine was cited by the Indian navy as the cause of the accident. The ferry, privately owned, was en route to the Elephanta Caves, a renowned tourist attraction, when the tragic collision occurred.
The navy issued a statement expressing deep regret over the loss of life, clarifying that the craft was undergoing engine trials at the time. An eyewitness who was aboard the ferry recounted the harrowing experience: “The speedboat crashed into our boat, and water began to flood in. The captain urged us to put on life jackets.” The passenger swam for approximately 15 minutes before being rescued by another vessel.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. I offer my sympathies to the bereaved families and wish for a swift recovery for the injured.”
