Tragic Incident: Indian Navy Speedboat Collides with Passenger Ferry in Arabian Sea Near Gateway of India

Mumbai, Dec 18 (NationPress) In a devastating incident, at least two individuals drowned, while another 108 were successfully rescued from the Arabian Sea after an Indian Navy speedboat, which was conducting sea trials, collided with a passenger ferry near the Raigad Coast, off Gateway of India, on Wednesday evening, according to officials.

The passenger vessel, identified as a private catamaran named 'Neelkamal', was transporting approximately 110 tourists along with five crew members to the renowned UNESCO Heritage site, the Elephanta Islands. The calamity transpired around 5:15 p.m., as reported by the BMC Disaster Control.

Sources indicated that an Indian Navy rigid inflatable boat, involved in engine trials, struck the 'Neelkamal' at high velocity, causing it to overturn and eject most of the tourists into the Arabian Sea near Uran, Karanja on the Raigad coast, roughly 10 kilometers from the Gateway of India.

According to reports, the ferry 'Neelkamal' may have suffered a breakdown due to the sudden impact, leading to its capsizing and the passengers being thrown into the water.

Footage captured by shocked passengers aboard nearby ferries depicted harrowing scenes of individuals calling for help, thrashing their arms and legs to stay afloat, or trying to save their loved ones from sinking into the frigid waters.

Upon receiving distress signals from various parties regarding the disaster, a large-scale rescue operation was initiated by the Indian Navy, deploying four helicopters and a dozen vessels, along with the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, local fishermen, and other ferry boats to assist the victims.

By 7 p.m., authorities confirmed the deaths of two individuals, with four reported as 'critical' in different hospitals, while 104 tourists were deemed 'stable' and were receiving treatment in various medical facilities. Search efforts continued for another five individuals who were still suspected to be missing as night descended.

The fatalities included one civilian and a naval sailor aboard the speedboat, which was manned by six sailors, although the Indian Navy has yet to comment on the incident.

It remains uncertain whether the ill-fated 'Neelkamal' was carrying passengers in compliance with the required safety standards and load regulations.

Rajendra Padte, the owner of the vessel, stated that 'Neelkamal' had set sail on its regular tourist route to the Elephanta Islands around 3:15 p.m., and just a few hours later, the tragedy unfolded. He asserted, 'It was not our fault.'

Padte explained, 'An Indian Navy speedboat first circled my boat, then sped off, only to return at high speed and collide with 'Neelkamal.' All the tourists were wearing life jackets, which are now mandatory. More than a dozen other boats are involved in the rescue efforts.'

Jayant P. Patil, General Secretary of the Peasants & Workers Party of India (PWP) and a former legislator present at the scene, criticized the responsible authorities, stating that the tragedy resulted from their negligence as 'Neelkamal' sank shortly thereafter.

Indian Navy sources suggested that an investigation into the deadly collision is likely to be initiated, given the numerous casualties, including two fatalities, amid concerns that the death toll may rise.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a brief statement in the Legislative Assembly in Nagpur, while Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde communicated with Mumbai City Collector Sanjay Yadav, Raigad Collector Kisan Jawale, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ports Zone) Sudhakar Pathare to accelerate rescue operations.

A civic official reported that 56 individuals were admitted to JNPA Hospital, 32 were treated at the Naval Dockyard medical facility, one at INHS Ashvini Hospital, nine at St. George Hospital, and 12 at a hospital on the mainland in Karanja.

Meanwhile, anxious relatives of many victims rushed from various locations in Mumbai and beyond to the hospitals where their loved ones were being treated, complicating efforts by Yellowgate Police Station officials who were managing the situation.

The Elephanta Islands, home to the globally recognized collection of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities, are believed to have been carved from rock between 1,500-2,200 years ago, making them one of Maharashtra's premier tourist attractions.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@gmail.com)