Mumbai boat accident: What led to the collision between Navy speed boat and ferry?

An Indian Navy speedboat, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with a passenger ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday afternoon.

Thirteen fatalities have been reported and 101 passengers have been rescued so far.

The video of the accident has taken over the internet.

Although the cause of the tragedy is still being investigated, it is believed that the rider lost control of the craft due to an engine malfunction.

Here’s all we know about it.

Mumbai boat accident

The incident occurred after an Indian Navy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour.

Consequently, the boat struck the passenger ferry “Neelkamal,” which was travelling from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves.

“At about 1600 hours (4 pm), a navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry, Neel Kamal, off Karanja, Mumbai. The ferry was carrying passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island," the navy said in a statement.

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While the navycraft was carrying six or seven people, there were 110 people on the ferry.

Watch the moment a Navy speed boat collides with a ferry near Gateway of India, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai.
Tragic accident causes ferry to capsize leading to casualties. pic.twitter.com/Dm0itvgsT8

— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) December 18, 2024

The Navy vessel is seen riding on the water in the visuals taken just before the accident occurred. But the fast-moving boat made a U-turn and approached the ferry, slamming into it. Additional visuals depict life jacket-wearing people being rescued and transferred to a different boat as the vessel started to tip towards the water’s surface.

Thirteen people were killed in the accident. This included seven men, four women and two children who were on the ferry, Mahendra Singh Shekhawat of the Indian Navy and two original equipment manufacturer (OEM) representatives — Pravin Sharma and Mangesh, according to Indian Express.

“One individual who was part of the test in the speed boat, is critically injured, and two others are receiving treatment,” said a Navy official.

While 101 passengers have been rescued so far and were shifted to a nearby hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths and said, “The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon.” The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the victims’ family and Rs 50,000 aid for the injured.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/EPwReaayYk

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 18, 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and the Indian Navy craft in Mumbai harbour…”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh would be given from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of those who died in the accident.

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The rescue operation

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard have begun a major rescue effort, with 11 Navy boats, three Marine Police boats, and a Coast Guard boat stationed in the region, according to a defence official.

Four helicopters were also included in the search and rescue effort.

Local fisherman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority employees, and police officers also helped in the effort.

In response to the incident, CM Fadnavis stated that all machinery required for the rescue effort is being deployed and that the government is in constant touch with the authorities.

“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,” Fadnavis said, adding, “Orders have been given to the district administration to deploy all the necessary machinery for the rescue operation."

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The cause

Although an investigation has been launched to determine the precise reason of the an accident, it is believed that the rider lost control of the craft due to an engine malfunction.

A board of inquiry will be established to look into the incident, officials said, even though they are still unsure if one of the two Navy officers or the other four people (on board the speedboat) were in control of the boat.

An official, quoted as saying by The Indian Express, said, “Whenever a major component, such as an engine, is fitted onto a craft, we conduct extensive tests along with the OEM to prevent any issues from arising at critical moments. For instance, if the manufacturer claims that the engine can reach speeds of 140 kmph, we test it with them onboard to verify the claim. A similar test was being conducted,” an official said.

Six people, including four OEM officials, started the testing after the new engine was installed. However, the rider lost control and collided into the passenger ferry.

According to Mumbai police, an official complaint has been filed against the speedboat’s occupants, including the navy boat driver.

With inputs from agencies