Key Takeaways
- Tragic Boat Collision: A tourist boat, Neelkamal, sank near Butcher Island in the Arabian Sea after colliding with a Navy speedboat.
- Casualties and Survivors: The accident claimed 13 lives, including 9 tourists and 4 Navy personnel. Despite overcrowding, 101 passengers were rescued.
- Overcrowding and Safety Lapses: The boat, designed for 80 passengers, was carrying 110 people, and there were insufficient life jackets on board.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Survivors recount the chaos, lack of safety measures, and how the Navy speedboat was moving erratically before the crash.
- Massive Rescue Operation: The Navy, Coast Guard, and local authorities deployed 11 boats and 4 helicopters to save lives and recover bodies.
Mumbai : In a horrifying maritime accident, a tourist boat carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island collided with a high-speed Navy patrol boat near Butcher Island on Wednesday evening. The impact caused the Neelkamal boat to sink, resulting in the death of 13 individuals, including 9 tourists and 4 Navy personnel.
Overcrowding and Insufficient Safety Measures
The Neelkamal boat was overcrowded, carrying 110 passengers, including 20 children, despite a seating capacity of only 80. Compounding the tragedy, the boat lacked sufficient life-saving jackets, leaving many passengers unprepared when the boat began to sink. Survivors revealed harrowing accounts of the crash and the struggle to stay afloat.
Ganesh, a 45-year-old eyewitness, recounted how the Navy speedboat was seen circling erratically before it collided with their vessel. “The boat started filling with water immediately after the collision. I jumped into the sea wearing a life jacket and swam for 15 minutes before being rescued,” he shared. Another survivor, Vinayak Matham, emphasized the lack of safety protocols, stating, “Passengers should have been given life jackets as soon as they boarded. Many lives could have been saved.”
Rescue Efforts: A Race Against Time
The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort by the Navy, Coast Guard, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Marine Police, and local fishermen. A total of 11 Navy boats, 3 Marine Police boats, 1 Coast Guard boat, and 4 helicopters were dispatched to the site. Rescued passengers were transported to the Gateway of India and later admitted to hospitals for treatment.
Navy’s Statement on the Accident
The Indian Navy issued a statement acknowledging the role of its speedboat in the collision. According to the Navy, the speedboat was undergoing engine trials when the captain lost control, leading to the tragic accident. Among the six Navy personnel onboard the speedboat, four died, including an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specialist.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
The accident has raised serious questions about maritime safety standards and the protocols followed by tourist boat operators. Survivors pointed to the lack of life jackets and overcrowding as key issues. Experts have called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Recent Maritime Incidents in Perspective
This accident is one of several recent maritime tragedies in the region, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures. Two months ago, an offshore oil rig collision claimed multiple lives, drawing attention to the hazards of overcrowding and lax safety standards in the Arabian Sea.
The Neelkamal boat tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to maritime safety protocols. While the rescue efforts saved over 100 lives, the loss of 13 individuals highlights the dire consequences of overcrowding and inadequate safety measures. Authorities must act swiftly to implement stricter guidelines to prevent such tragedies in the future.
