After an Indian Navy speedboat lost control and crashed into a ferry off Mumbai’s Gateway of India on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 13 individuals, an FIR was filed against the driver of the speedboat, reports said.
It was around 4:00 PM on Wednesday that the Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with passenger ferry Neel Kamal off Karanja near Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. It added that an engine malfunction caused the rigid inflatable boat (RIB)-type speedboat to loss control.
REPORT | 13 dead as boat capsizes after being hit by Navy craft off Mumbai coast
The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.
Mumbai's Colaba Police filed the FIR based on the complaint by a survivor identified as Natharam Chaudhary of Mumbai's Sakinaka, a media report said.
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 were involved in the rescue efforts, the Navy 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, it added.
Prime Minister Modi announces financial relief to kin of victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condoled the loss of lives in a boat accident off the Mumbai coast and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased.
"The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Those affected are being assisted by the authorities," Modi was quoted as saying by his office in a post on X.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/EPwReaayYk
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 18, 2024
"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO said.