Ferry capsizes near JNPA Mumbai, 14 dead including Navy personnel
JNPA, CISF, Navy and Coast Guard rescued over 60 passengers but 14 lost their lives including 7-year-old child
New Delhi, December 21
A ferry carrying over 80 passengers capsized de to collision with the Indian Navy speed boat near Karanja in Mumbai.
The ferry ‘Neelkamal’ was en route to Elephanta Island from Gateway of India when it was hit by high seed boat of Indian Navy.
Two CISF patrolling boats, alongside resources from MBPT, the Navy, the Coast Guard, and Coastal Police, swiftly responded to the incident. A total of 56 individuals were rescued by the pilot boat SHM-XXIII and brought to the JNPA Landing Jetty. Unfortunately, one critically injured child was declared dead at JNPA Hospital.
As per reports, an additional 16 individuals were rescued and transported to Gateway of India in Mumbai. Search efforts for the missing passengers are ongoing. Although the accident site was beyond JNPA's patrolling limits, CISF boats immediately mobilized upon receiving information from Port Control.
The Mumbai Police are conducting an inquiry in tr matter and contacted both Indian Navy and Maharashtra Maritime Board regarding the incident.
The Mumbai Police is investigating why the Indian Navy conducted trials on a heavily trafficked maritime route and who granted permission for the ‘engine trial’ operation. The police have indicated that they are also considering whether proper protocols were followed during the trial.
It has come to the fore that the Navy vessel was undergoing engine trials when it lost control and struck the ferry.
