K.C. Venugopal Mourns Loss of Lives in Mumbai Maritime Incident

New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal shared his sorrow on Wednesday for the families who suffered losses in the tragic boat incident in Mumbai, while also praying for the quick recovery of the injured.

On the social media platform X, he stated: "I am deeply saddened by the news of this shocking accident off the coast of Mumbai that has resulted in the loss of multiple lives. My condolences go out to the families of those who perished, and I hope for the swift recovery of the injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief on Wednesday over the loss of 13 lives due to a collision between two boats in Mumbai. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) communicated via X: "The Prime Minister has declared an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each person who lost their life in the Mumbai boat incident. The injured will receive Rs 50,000."

In a subsequent post, quoting Prime Minister Modi, the PMO added: "The boat mishap in Mumbai is heartbreaking. I extend my condolences to the grieving families and pray for the quick recovery of those injured. The affected individuals are being aided by the authorities: PM @narendramodi."

In a tragic maritime disaster, at least 13 individuals have been confirmed dead, including three Indian Navy sailors, while another 99 were rescued from the Arabian Sea after a naval speedboat, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with a passenger ferry near the Raigad Coast, close to the Gateway of India, officials reported.

The passenger vessel, a private catamaran named 'Neelkamal', was transporting around 110 tourists along with five crew members to the renowned UNESCO Heritage site, the Elephanta Islands. The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m., according to the BMC Disaster Control.

Official reports indicate that an Indian Navy rigid inflatable boat, which was conducting engine trials, crashed into the 'Neelkamal' at high speed, causing it to overturn and eject most of the tourists into the Arabian Sea near Uran, Karanja on the Raigad coast, approximately 10 km from the Gateway of India.

Sources mentioned that the ferry, 'Neelkamal', may have experienced a breakdown following the sudden impact, leading to its overturning and subsequent sinking with passengers thrown into the water.

Disturbing videos captured by shocked passengers on nearby ferries showed harrowing scenes of individuals crying out for help, struggling to stay afloat, or attempting to save their loved ones from sinking in the cold waters.

Upon receiving distress signals from various sources regarding the disaster, a large-scale rescue operation was initiated by the Indian Navy, which deployed four helicopters and 15 vessels, including the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, alongside local fishermen and other ferry boats to assist the victims.

By 9 p.m., authorities confirmed 13 fatalities, which included three Indian Navy sailors and 10 civilians. Several victims were reported to be in critical condition in various hospitals, while more than 100 other tourists were reported to be in stable condition as the search continued for five individuals still considered missing as darkness fell.

It remains unclear whether the ill-fated 'Neelkamal' was operating within the stipulated safety guidelines regarding passenger capacity and other regulations.

The vessel's owner, Rajendra Padte, stated that the 'Neelkamal' had set off on its regular tourism route to the Elephanta Islands at around 3:15 p.m., and just a couple of hours later, the tragedy unfolded, asserting, "but it was not our fault."

"An Indian Navy speedboat first circled my boat, then sped away, 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 operations," a visibly shaken Padte told reporters.

A furious Jayant P. Patil, General Secretary of the Peasants & Workers Party of India (PWP) and former legislator, criticized the responsible authorities for the tragedy as the 'Neelkamal' sank shortly thereafter.