Tragedy on the Water: PM Modi Responds with ₹2 Lakh Support Following Mumbai Boat Accident

Live updates on the Mumbai boat accident: The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Maritime Board are actively engaged in search and rescue efforts for the passengers reported missing after the incident. Stay tuned for the latest developments.

P24 News Media

December 18, 2024

1 minute

Tragedy on the Water: PM Modi Responds with ₹2 Lakh Support Following Mumbai Boat Accident

India

In a tragic incident on Wednesday, an Indian Navy craft collided with the passenger ferry Neelkamal, resulting in the ferry capsizing while traveling from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reported that the accident occurred at approximately 3:55 PM, leading to the unfortunate loss of 13 lives. Rescue efforts have managed to save a total of 101 individuals so far.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde informed the news agency PTI that the rescue operations are being conducted collaboratively by the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Maritime Board, and local coastal police forces.

According to a spokesperson from the Indian Navy, a significant search and rescue operation is underway, which includes the deployment of 11 Navy boats, three Marine Police vessels, a Coast Guard boat, and four helicopters actively searching for any remaining passengers from the ferry.

Unmesh Wagh, chairperson of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, shared that 40 individuals were successfully rescued and transported to the JNPA hospital for medical attention. In a show of solidarity, Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed her condolences via social media, extending her sympathies to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones in this tragic event.

During a news update, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar expressed hope that all missing passengers would be found soon and that no additional casualties would be reported.

As the situation unfolded, reports indicated that since the initial accident, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has successfully rescued 56 individuals who were affected. The incident took place off the Mumbai coast, and the CISF utilized a patrol boat to reach the crash site, located approximately 6 kilometers from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

In response to the tragedy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his sorrow over the fatalities via a post on social media. He emphasized that those injured, including both naval personnel and civilians, are receiving urgent medical care.

Prime Minister Modi also shared his condolences through social media, announcing a compensation of ₹2 lakh to the families of the deceased through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Additionally, he stated that injured individuals would receive ₹50,000 to aid in their recovery.

Reports reveal that nine individuals injured during the incident were taken to St. George's Hospital, while an additional 40 were sent to the JNPA hospital. One naval personnel, who suffered critical injuries, has been transferred to Ashwini Hospital for specialized treatment. Dr. Vinayak Sawardekar, Superintendent of St. George's Hospital, confirmed that the nine injured individuals are currently stable, thanks to the life jackets they were wearing during the accident.

Further updates indicated that President Droupadi Murmu has also expressed her condolences to the victims' families, sharing her shock and sorrow regarding the accident. She urged for prompt success in rescue operations and wished for the swift recovery of all survivors.

The Navy confirmed that amidst the ongoing search operations, four out of six personnel aboard the Navy boat that collided with the ferry have tragically lost their lives, while one remains critically injured. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the exact cause of the collision, which the Navy attributed to an engine malfunction during engine trials.

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar pointed out the need for a comprehensive plan to prevent such future incidents, emphasizing that thorough investigations are essential for devising measures to avoid further tragedies like this one. The loss of life and the impact on affected families has stirred a sense of urgency for addressing safety protocols on the water.