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What Caused The Fatal Boat Capsize In Mumbai? 5 Points To Know

At least 14 people died after a Naval boat collided with a passenger ferry carrying over 100 people in Mumbai. Here are 5 things to know about the tragic accident.

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Tanya Savkoor
New Update
Image: Reuters

IMAGE: Reuters

At least 14 people died in a boat capsize in Mumbai on December 18, according to officials. The tragic incident happened when an Indian Naval boat collided with a passenger ferry carrying over 100 people, Reuters reported. At least 101 persons were rescued, of which three were injured, reports said. Here are five key details about the accident.

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Rescue Operations Started Immediately

The accident happened at around 4 pm when the passenger ferry, operated by the private company Neelkamal was carrying people from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. About four helicopters and boats were immediately deployed to the accident site.

The following visuals might be disturbing for some:

Pregnant woman, 4YO child among injured

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At least three persons were injured in the accident. Of the injured persons is a Navy staffer, whose condition remains serious, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar told the state assembly. Meanwhile, a 4-year-old girl and an 8-month pregnant woman were also injured. They are in stable condition. 

A (unnamed) survivor recounted the haunting details of the accident in an interview with ABP Majha. "The speedboat crashed into our boat and water started entering our boat and it overturned. The driver asked us to wear life jackets. I swam for fifteen minutes before I was rescued by another boat."

Was the passenger boat overloaded?

Reports speculated that the Neelkamal passenger ferry was loaded beyond its licensed capacity of 90 persons. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) confirmed that there were 113 people aboard both vessels. Officials added that 14 died, and 98 were rescued.

According to an Indian Express report, the MMB has suspended the Neelkamal ferry operator’s license citing overcrowding. Notably, the Board issues a ₹200 penalty for each passenger above limit. The ferry is detained until the fine is paid.

Was the Naval boat to be blamed?

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On December 18, the Indian Navy posted on X, "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."

Despite MMB's confirmation about the overloaded ferry, some officials maintained that the crash was caused because the Navy vessel was overspeeding and lost control. Meanwhile, the Navy has launched its own internal inquiry into the accident. 

According to the Times of India, Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi visited Mumbai on December 20 to scrutinise the incident. The Navy chief is scheduled to inspect the accident site and visit the injured personnel recuperating in the naval hospital INHS Ashwini. He will receive a comprehensive detailed briefing regarding the incident. 

PM Modi, Maharashtra CM Fadnavis respond

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a ₹2 lakh ex-gratia from the PM National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each victim. Meanwhile, the injured survivors would be given ₹50,000 rupees. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased.

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Mumbai accident Tragedy