Overview of the Incident

In a shocking maritime disaster, at least 13 people have lost their lives and two more remain missing after a speedboat from the Indian navy crashed into a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai. This harrowing incident has left the nation in mourning, as many survivors struggle to comprehend the chaos that unfolded.

Casualties and Eyewitness Accounts

Among the deceased are three navy personnel, while over 100 passengers were rescued, according to Maharashtra's chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis. Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene where the navy speedboat, allegedly performing engine trials, lost control before violently striking the ferry, which subsequently capsized.

Initial Investigations

Footage circulating online captures the moments leading up to the collision, showing the speedboat circling erratically before the catastrophic impact. The government has launched an inquiry to determine what led to this horrific event, with preliminary reports from the navy suggesting an "engine malfunction" as the cause.

Details of the Ferry's Journey

The privately owned ferry was en route to the Elephanta Caves, a renowned tourist attraction, when the tragedy struck around 4:00 PM local time (11:30 GMT) on Wednesday. Search and rescue teams have been tirelessly working throughout the night, as efforts continue to locate the two missing passengers.

Survivors' Experiences

Survivors shared heart-wrenching stories of their escape. Gautam Gupta, who filmed the speedboat moments before the crash, expressed disbelief at the sudden turn of events. "I thought they were just putting on a show," he recounted. Fellow traveler Arif Bamane, one of the first responders on the scene, described the scene as "horrific," with desperate cries for help echoing through the water.

Concerns Over Maritime Safety

Reports indicate that the ferry crew failed to provide adequate instructions to the terrified passengers after the collision, leaving many to fend for themselves amid the confusion. A high-ranking navy official stated that both ferries and speedboats are supposed to follow clearly marked paths within the harbor, raising serious questions about the enforcement of maritime safety regulations.

Government Response and Assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families affected by this tragic event, labeling it a "saddening incident." He has announced financial assistance of 200,000 rupees (approximately $2,352; £1,869) for the families of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for those injured in the accident.

Recent Maritime Incidents in India

This incident marks the second maritime tragedy for India in less than a month. Just weeks prior, a fishing trawler was struck by a submarine off the coast of Goa, leaving two reported missing. With investigations underway and safety practices under scrutiny, this latest accident raises alarms over naval operations and passenger safety in Indian waters.

Conclusion and Ongoing Updates

Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story and the ongoing investigations into this devastating event.