14 Dead After Naval Speedboat Collides With Ferry Near Mumbai

A naval speedboat lost control during engine trials, crashing into a passenger ferry en route to Elephanta Island, leading to fatalities and ongoing investigations.

The collision occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Butcher Island when the naval speedboat, undergoing engine trials, experienced an engine malfunction and struck the ferry Neelkamal, which was carrying over 100 passengers.
The death toll has risen to 14, including 10 civilians, three naval personnel, and one equipment manufacturer representative, with one child still missing and search operations ongoing.
The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local authorities deployed 11 naval crafts, three marine police boats, one Coast Guard vessel, and four helicopters in a large-scale rescue operation, saving 99 people.
Questions have been raised about the decision to conduct engine trials in a busy maritime route and the adequacy of safety measures, such as life jacket enforcement and passenger limits on the ferry.
Authorities, including the Indian Navy and Maharashtra government, have launched investigations into the incident, with financial compensation announced for the families of the deceased and injured.