Navy Speedboat Collision Near Mumbai Kills 13: Investigation Underway
A tragic maritime collision between a ferry and a Navy speedboat off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday claimed the lives of 13 people, including 12 civilians and one Navy official, and leftover 100 passengers shaken and traumatized. The ferry, carrying more than 110 passengers, capsized after the collision, prompting a massive rescue operation that saved 115 lives. Questions about safety protocols and the circumstances leading to the accident have stirred public outrage.
The Collision
The incident occurred as a private ferry was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai. Passengers described the journey as routine until a Navy speedboat collided with their vessel, sending both boats into chaos. The Navy later confirmed that the speedboat, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), was undergoing engine trials at sea when it lost control due to a technical malfunction.
In a statement, the Indian Navy said, “The speedboat lost control during engine trials, leading to an accidental collision with the private ferry.” Eyewitnesses, however, raised questions about the speedboat’s movements before the accident, with one survivor alleging reckless behaviour by the Navy vessel.
Survivors Recall the Horror
The moments following the collision were marked by panic and desperation. Survivors described how the ferry capsized almost immediately, leaving many passengers struggling to stay afloat. Gautam Gupta, a resident of Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, recounted the harrowing experience. When the tragedy unfolded, Gupta was traveling with his aunt and cousin to Elephanta Island.
“No one on the boat had life jackets,” Gupta said, his voice heavy with grief. “After the collision, we managed to pull several people out of the water. It was chaos. About 20 to 25 minutes later, the Navy rescued us, but by then, we had lost my aunt.”
Another survivor, Shravan Kumar from Jalore in Rajasthan, revealed that he had captured the incident on video moments before the collision. “The Navy’s speedboat appeared to be performing stunts,” Kumar said. “It raised our suspicions, so I started recording. Minutes later, the boat collided with our ferry.” The footage has since gone viral on social media, intensifying scrutiny over the incident.
Lives Lost and a Search Underway
Among the 13 fatalities were 12 civilians, including two passengers on the Navy speedboat, and one Navy official. The casualties also included two employees of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) who were onboard the speedboat during the trials.
The rescue operation involved 11 Navy boats, three Marine Police vessels, and a Coast Guard boat, reflecting the scale of the emergency response. Divers and rescue teams worked tirelessly to pull survivors from the water, while a search for any missing passengers continued well into the night.
Despite the successful rescue of 115 passengers, the loss of lives has cast a shadow over the operation. Authorities confirmed that several of the deceased had drowned before help could arrive.
Safety Lapses Under Scrutiny
The accident has sparked widespread criticism over the lack of safety measures on the private ferry. Survivors reported that the ferry was not equipped with life jackets, a mandatory safety requirement for passenger vessels. This glaring omission has raised questions about the enforcement of maritime safety regulations in India.
Natharam Chaudhary, a survivor from Mumbai’s Sakinaka, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the driver of the Navy speedboat. Chaudhary accused the Navy of negligence, pointing to the lack of preparedness and the apparent recklessness of the speedboat’s trials.
“This could have been avoided if basic safety measures were in place,” Chaudhary said. “No life jackets, no clear emergency procedures—it was a disaster waiting to happen.”
Government Response and Compensation
The tragedy has drawn responses from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for each family that lost a loved one and ₹50,000 for those injured in the accident. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also announced additional compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
In a statement, PM Modi said, “The loss of lives in the Mumbai boat accident is deeply saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families during this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Investigation Launched
As the rescue and recovery operations continued, authorities formally investigated the incident. The Navy confirmed that the speedboat involved in the accident was undergoing engine trials as part of routine maintenance. However, the circumstances leading to the collision, including the alleged malfunction and the conduct of the speedboat crew, remain under scrutiny.
Experts and maritime safety advocates have called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols for both civilian and military vessels. The absence of life jackets on the ferry has also prompted demands for accountability from the private boat operators.
Maritime expert Captain Vikram Mehta stressed the importance of preventive measures. “This incident highlights the need for stringent checks and balances,” Mehta said. “Engine trials for Navy vessels must be conducted away from civilian routes, and life-saving equipment should be non-negotiable for all passenger boats.”
The outpouring of Grief and Anger
The incident has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger on social media, with citizens expressing their condolences to the victims’ families and demanding justice for those affected. The viral video of the collision has fueled calls for greater transparency in the investigation and stricter oversight of maritime activities.
“This is not just an accident; it’s a systemic failure,” wrote one Twitter user. “How can a speedboat be allowed to operate near civilian ferries without proper safeguards?”
Others have called for reforms to ensure passenger safety on popular tourist routes like the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Conclusion
The tragic collision off Mumbai’s coast has left a deep scar on the lives of survivors and the families of those who perished. As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of safety measures in preventing such disasters. The government’s response, while swift, must now be followed by concrete action to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that similar tragedies are averted in the future.
For now, the waters of the Arabian Sea bear witness to a heartbreaking loss, as a nation mourns and demands answers.
