MUMBAI, Dec 18 (Reuters) — At least 13 people died when an Indian naval boat collided with a passenger ferry with more than 100 passengers which then capsized off the coast of financial capital Mumbai on Wednesday, officials said.

The navy said 99 people were rescued with efforts ongoing for others.

“An Indian Navy craft lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized,” the Navy said in a statement on X

Local TV channels showed a boat carrying at least five people hitting the passenger vehicle, causing the accident.

“The speedboat crashed into our boat and water started entering our boat and it overturned. The driver asked us to wear lifejackets,” a passenger on board the vessel told ABP Majha news channel.

“I swam for fifteen minutes before I was rescued by another boat,” said the passenger, who did not identify himself.

The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families,” India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X late on Wednesday.

Modi also announced an ex-gratia payment of 200,000 rupees ($2,356.63) from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat accident and that the injured would be given 50,000 rupees.

The privately-owned passenger boat, called Neelkamal, was heading towards the Elephanta caves, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Mumbai, when it capsized, BMC said.

Mumbai Boat Accident: Tragedy Strikes as Naval Vessel Collides with Passenger Ferry

In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the country, a boat accident near Mumbai claimed the lives of thirteen individuals. The collision involved a naval vessel and a passenger ferry, turning a routine journey into a devastating ordeal.

The Incident

The accident occurred late in the evening near the Mumbai coastline. According to initial reports, the naval vessel was on a routine patrol when it collided with a passenger ferry carrying more than 50 individuals. The impact caused severe damage to the ferry, leading to panic among passengers as the vessel began to capsize.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with the Indian Coast Guard and local authorities mobilizing resources to save as many lives as possible. Despite their efforts, thirteen passengers lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries. Many survivors were rescued from the waters, but the toll could have been much higher if not for the quick response by rescue teams.

Eyewitness Accounts

Passengers and bystanders described the horrifying moments of the collision. “We heard a loud crash, and everything went dark,” said one survivor. Another passenger recalled the chaos that ensued: “People were screaming and jumping into the water to save themselves.”

Eyewitnesses from the shore reported seeing the ferry tilting dangerously before partially submerging. The panic was palpable as rescue teams worked tirelessly to pull people from the wreckage.

Investigations Underway

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Preliminary findings suggest a possible communication failure between the two vessels. Weather conditions and navigational errors are also being examined as potential contributing factors.

The Indian Navy has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full cooperation in the investigation. A spokesperson for the Navy stated, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are committed to ensuring a thorough inquiry to prevent such occurrences in the future.”

Public Reaction

The accident has sparked widespread grief and outrage. Many have questioned the safety protocols in place for passenger ferries and naval operations. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and calls for accountability.

Prominent figures, including political leaders and celebrities, have expressed their sympathies. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra has assured the public that stringent measures will be implemented to enhance maritime safety.

The Way Forward

This incident underscores the need for stricter regulations and improved communication systems for vessels operating in shared waters. Experts have called for mandatory safety drills, better training for crew members, and advanced navigation equipment to avoid such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families. Relief efforts are underway, with compensation and counseling services being provided to those affected.