After an Indian navy speedboat collided with a passenger ship off Mumbai, at least 13 persons sadly perished—three navy soldiers were among the fatalities. As Maharashtra State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attests to, more than 100 people were rescued from the collision scene.
The tragedy happened when the navy speedboat, apparently doing engine trials, lost control and collided with the ferry, capsizing it. Local media sources point to a problem in an engine as causing the collision. Over the “tragic loss” of life, the Indian Navy has expressed great remorse and said that an inquiry will be started to look at the collision’s origin.
What Does the Shocking Video Show About the Speedboat's Behaviour Before Impact?
The event video, shared extensively on social media, shows the naval speedboat circling before it crashed with the passenger ship. The collision happened while the ferry was en route to Mumbai’s well-known tourist site, Elephanta Caves. The strong force forced the ferry to capsize and dumped people into the sea.
How did eyewitnesses characterize their horrific encounters?
An eyewitness reported his first impressions of the disaster: “I assumed the speedboat was doing stunts. It crashed into the ship just as I was recording from the deck. The comment highlights travellers’ uncertainty in the hours preceding the catastrophe.
Another survivor—who was on the ferry—related his horrific survival story: “I had to swim for 15 minutes before another boat came to our rescue.” The remarks of the survivor highlight the haste and terror people experienced while trying to find refuge.
One of the first responders on the scene remembered the disorganized aftermath. He said the sound of people screaming for aid and crying permeated the air. His story vividly captures the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanied the collision.
Why Did Ferry Staff Not Provide Leave Passengers Vulnerable or Instructions?
According to survivors, the ferry crew gave no clear directions following the collision. Many of the passengers then started frantically looking for safety on their own. “After the collision, the staff gave no direction,” one of the survivors stated. Under heading 5: How Did Prime Minister Modi React to the Incident and Provide Assistance? This inability to properly handle the matter most likely added to the uncertainty and worry passengers on board went through.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his sympathies to the victim’s families. Declaring the situation “saddening,” he stated the death toll was quite unfortunate. Modi also declared financial help for the relatives of the victims. While the injured will get 50,000 rupees ($1,869), the families of those who perished in the crash will get 200,000 rupees.
Comparatively Speaking, How Does This Incident Exceed a Similar One From Earlier This Month?
This sad occurrence represents the second one in India within a month. Two persons were missing when a submarine ran into a fishing trawl off the coast of Goa on November 22. These events have sparked questions regarding safety criteria and the necessity of stricter laws to stop such mishaps in the following years.
Authorities are pressured to guarantee that such a catastrophic occurrence never recurs as inquiries continue.
