Horror at sea: Navy boat collides with ferry, 10 civilians, 3 Navy personnel confirmed dead | VIDEO

Maharashtra News: The tragic accident involving a Navy boat and a ferry off the Mumbai coast has left a profound impact, resulting in the loss of 13 lives and the rescue of 101 individuals. The incident occurred when the ferry, transporting passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, was struck by the Navy vessel. Eyewitness accounts from first responders reveal the chaos and horror that unfolded at the scene.

Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos

First responders described the situation as "tragic and completely chaotic." Arif Bamane, a driver of the Mumbai Port Trust pilot boat Poorva, recounted his experience upon arrival. "People were screaming for help, and some were crying," he stated. His team was en route to Mumbai when they received an urgent call about the accident. Despite having only four members on board, they rushed to assist those in distress.

LATEST UPDATE | Mumbai Boat Accident: 13 Dead, 101 Rescued 🇮🇳

A tragic #boataccident occurred near Mumbai's Butcher Island when a Navy #boat collided with the 'Neelkamal' passenger vessel at 3:55 pm. Here are the key updates:

- Death Toll: 13 people have lost their lives,… https://t.co/LRIOYdetzS pic.twitter.com/WeXBAwr8he

— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) December 18, 2024

TRAGEDY STRIKES | Heartbreaking visuals have emerged of a devastating #boat accident near Mumbai, India 🇮🇳 (December 18, 2024)

A devastating #boataccident occurred near Mumbai's Butcher Island,

1. Death Toll:n13 lives lost, including 10 civilians and 3 Navy personnel.
2.… https://t.co/XzZ2664mq4 pic.twitter.com/VjxXjSsVeB

— Weather monitor (@Weathermonitors) December 18, 2024

Bamane and his crew managed to rescue approximately 20 to 25 individuals before additional boats arrived. Among those they helped were several foreign nationals, highlighting the international implications of this tragic event. "We tried to save as many people as possible," Bamane emphasized.

Government Response and Casualties

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media regarding the incident. He confirmed that at around 3:55 PM, a Navy boat collided with the 'Neelkamal' passenger vessel near Butcher Island. As of 7:30 PM, reports indicated that 101 people had been rescued, but unfortunately, 13 lives were lost in the accident.

The deceased included ten civilians and three Navy personnel.The government's swift response underscores the seriousness of this incident. Search and rescue operations were launched immediately following the collision, with multiple agencies involved in ensuring that all possible survivors were accounted for.

#WATCH | Mumbai Boat Accident | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "Near Mumbai, at the Butcher Island, a Navy boat collided with 'Neelkamal' passenger vessel at around 3.55 pm. As per the information till 7.30 pm, 101 have been rescued safely and 13 people have died. Among… pic.twitter.com/9hnAeeGpJD

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024

A Call for Accountability

This devastating event raises questions about safety protocols and accountability within maritime operations. The chaotic scenes described by first responders highlight potential gaps in communication and emergency response procedures that need to be addressed to prevent future tragedies.

In light of this incident, there is an urgent need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Ensuring the safety of passengers on ferries is paramount, especially in busy maritime areas like Mumbai.

The collision off Mumbai's coast serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities present in maritime travel. As investigations continue, it is crucial for authorities to implement measures that enhance safety standards and prevent such tragedies from occurring again.