PM Modi Mourns Lives Lost in Mumbai Boat Tragedy; Declares Rs 2 Lakh Compensation

New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow on Wednesday regarding the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 13 individuals due to a collision between two boats in Mumbai. In response, he announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for each victim's family and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) noted on X: "The Prime Minister has sanctioned an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured individuals will receive Rs 50,000.

In another message, the PMO quoted Prime Minister Modi saying, "The recent boat mishap in Mumbai is indeed saddening. I extend my condolences to the grieving families and pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Authorities are providing assistance to those affected: PM @narendramodi."

In a horrific maritime incident, at least 13 people tragically drowned, including three Indian Navy sailors, while another 99 individuals were rescued from the Arabian Sea. This disaster occurred when a naval speedboat, undergoing engine trials, lost control and crashed into a passenger ferry near the Raigad Coast, close to the Gateway of India, on Wednesday evening, according to officials.

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

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

According to sources, the ferry 'Neelkamal' may have suffered a breakdown due to the sudden collision, leading to its overturning and subsequent sinking, with passengers thrown into the water.

Disturbing videos captured by shocked passengers on nearby ferries displayed harrowing scenes of individuals crying out for help, struggling to stay afloat, and attempting to save their loved ones from the frigid sea waters.

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

By 9 p.m., authorities confirmed the tragic toll of 13 deaths, comprising three Indian Navy sailors and 10 civilians, with several individuals in critical condition across different hospitals, while over 100 tourists were reported to be in stable condition in various medical facilities, as search efforts continued for another five individuals still feared missing as night fell.

It remained uncertain whether the ill-fated 'Neelkamal' was operating within the required safety regulations regarding passenger load and other safety measures.

The owner of the vessel, Rajendra Padte, stated that the 'Neelkamal' had embarked on its usual tourism route to the Elephanta Islands around 3:15 p.m. and that the tragedy struck just a couple of hours later, asserting, "It was not our fault."

"An Indian Navy speedboat initially circled my boat, sped away, and then returned at high speed, crashing into the 'Neelkamal'. All passengers were wearing life jackets, which are now mandatory. More than a dozen other boats are involved in the rescue operations," a visibly shaken Padte informed reporters.

Angry at the incident, Jayant P. Patil, General Secretary of the Peasants & Workers Party of India (PWP) and former legislator, criticized the relevant authorities responsible for the calamity, just moments before the 'Neelkamal' sank into the waters.