Key Points
- 130 Lives Saved Amidst Sea Accident: A passenger boat en route from Mumbai to Mandwa with 130 passengers and crew faced a near-tragic accident due to water ingress caused by rough sea conditions.
- Immediate Rescue Efforts: The crew’s quick response and assistance from nearby boats ensured the safe evacuation of all passengers without injuries.
- Ajanta Catamaran’s License Suspended: The Maharashtra government suspended the passenger transport license, registration, and survey certificates of the Ajanta Catamaran Company following the mishap.
- Investigation Underway: A three-member inquiry committee led by Chief Surveyor Prakash Chavan has been formed to investigate the incident and submit a report within three days.
Mumbai: Mumbai witnessed a dramatic rescue operation on Friday evening when a passenger boat carrying 130 people encountered a life-threatening situation mid-sea while traveling from Gateway of India to Mandwa. The quick actions of the crew and nearby vessels prevented a major tragedy, but the incident has raised serious concerns about maritime safety.
What Happened?
The Ajanta Catamaran Company’s passenger boat departed from Mumbai at 5:30 PM on Friday. As it neared the Mandwa jetty, approximately 1.5 kilometers away, strong winds and rough waves caused a breach in the boat’s hull, leading to water ingress. Panic ensued among passengers as the vessel began taking on water.
The crew immediately alerted officials at Mandwa Jetty and sent out an SOS for help. While waiting for rescue teams, they worked tirelessly to pump out water and calm panicked passengers. Nearby boats responded swiftly, transferring all passengers safely to shore without any injuries.
Government Action: License Suspended
In response to the incident, Maharashtra Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane ordered an immediate suspension of Ajanta Catamaran Company’s passenger transport license, registration certificate, and survey certificate. The company has been barred from operating until further notice.
Minister Rane emphasized that negligence endangering lives will not be tolerated. He called for stringent operational guidelines to prevent such incidents in the future.
Three-Member Inquiry Committee Formed
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the mishap thoroughly. Led by Chief Surveyor and Marine Engineer Prakash Chavan, along with Regional Port Officer C.J. Lepande and Maritime Security Officer Commandant Santosh Nair, the committee will:
- Identify the root cause of the accident.
- Recommend actionable measures to prevent similar incidents.
- Submit a detailed report within three days.
A Troubling Pattern of Maritime Incidents
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in Mumbai’s waters:
- Neel Kamal Tragedy (2024): A collision between a Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near Butcher Island resulted in 15 fatalities. The ferry was overcrowded at the time of the accident.
- Mandwa Mishap (2020): Another Ajanta-operated ferry capsized near Mandwa Jetty with 88 passengers onboard. Fortunately, all were rescued safely.
These recurring incidents highlight gaps in maritime safety protocols and underscore the urgent need for stricter regulations.
Safety Concerns and Next Steps
The latest mishap has reignited debates around maritime safety in India:
- Need for Better Maintenance: Boats must undergo regular inspections to ensure seaworthiness.
- Enhanced Safety Equipment: Life jackets, emergency pumps, and communication devices should be mandatory on all passenger vessels.
- Training for Crew: Proper training in emergency response can save lives during critical situations.
- Operational Oversight: Authorities must enforce strict compliance with safety standards for all vessels operating in Indian waters.
Conclusion
The swift rescue operation during Friday’s mishap prevented what could have been a major tragedy. However, it serves as a wake-up call for authorities to address systemic issues in maritime safety. With an investigation underway and licenses suspended, stakeholders hope this incident will lead to meaningful reforms that prioritize passenger safety over profit.
