Death toll in Mumbai boat accident rises to 14

MUMBAI: The death toll in the Mumbai boat accident near Gateway of India that took place on Wednesday evening has risen to 14, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

“The death toll in the incident of the ‘Neelkamal’ passenger vessel capsising after collision with a Navy boat near Gateway of India rises to 14, as another body is recovered by the rescue teams. The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained”, BMC said.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, along with all personnel of the Indian Navy, extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the boat accident that claimed 14 lives at Mumbai Harbour on Wednesday.

Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS, and all personnel of the #IndianNavy offer heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of those who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in Mumbai Harbour, and wish for a speedy and full recovery of those who were injured.

Two… https://t.co/VbRRmDU8iI

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 19, 2024

Taking to X, the Navy spokesperson said that the Navy also expressed its wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. “Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, and all personnel of the Indian Navy offer heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of those who tragically lost their lives in the unfortunate accident in Mumbai Harbour and wish for a speedy and full recovery of those who were injured. Two persons from the ferry craft are still reported to be missing, towards which, Search and Rescue operations are in progress by eight Navy craft and a naval helicopter, augmented by a Coast Guard vessel. Search and Rescue efforts have continued throughout the night of 18- 19 Dec 2024 in vicinity of the accident. A Board of Inquiry has been ordered into the accident to establish the facts of the case”, the Navy spokesperson stated on X.

The incident occurred when the Indian Navy lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to an engine malfunction. As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry, which subsequently capsized.

As per the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a total of 105 people were admitted to five different hospitals, out of which 90 were either discharged or are in stable condition in the Mumbai Boat accident.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured that the government will provide all assistance to those affected. He announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh would be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of those who lost their lives. (ANI)