13 dead as boat capsizes after being hit by Navy craft off Mumbai coast

At least 13 people died as a ferry with more than 100 passengers on board, capsized after being hit by a speed boat of the Indian Navy off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday evening.

The Neel Kamal ferry was on its way from India Gate to Elephanta Islands, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai, when the Navy craft lost control and crashed it.

“Search and Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats are undertaking rescue efforts,” the Navy said in a statement.

It said the survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft in the area have been transferred to jetties and hospitals in the vicinity. So far 99 survivors have been rescued.

Those who lost their lives included one Navy personnel and two OEMs, who were on board the Naval craft.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and said those injured were receiving urgent medical care.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour. Injured personnel, including naval personnel & civilians from both vessels, are receiving urgent medical care," he said in a post on X.

"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Extensive search & rescue efforts are ongoing by the Indian Navy & Coast Guard, deploying multiple assets, to locate missing persons," he added.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the government is in constant touch with the district and police administration.

“We are in constant touch with the district and police administration, and fortunately, most of the passengers have been rescued. However, rescue operations are still ongoing,” he said, adding that orders have been given to the district administration to deploy all necessary resources for the operation.

The chief minister claimed that, according to preliminary information, 5-7 people were still missing. “I will make a statement in the House as soon as I receive more detailed information,” he said.

According to officials, personnel from the police, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and fishermen in the area are also involved in the rescue work.