A day of sightseeing turned into a nightmare on Wednesday when an Indian naval speedboat lost control and crashed into a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai, killing 13 people, including three naval personnel.
The ferry, named Neelkamal, was packed with over 110 passengers heading to the famous Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when disaster struck at 4 p.m. The naval speedboat, carrying five crew members, was conducting engine trials when it suddenly malfunctioned. Eyewitnesses say the speedboat began spinning out of control before slamming into the ferry at full speed.
Terrifying footage shared online shows the moment the speedboat, circling wildly, smashed into the larger vessel, causing it to capsize. Screams filled the air as dozens of passengers were thrown into the water, struggling against the current.
Rescue teams wasted no time, launching a massive operation involving 11 Navy boats, three Marine Police boats, a Coast Guard vessel, and four helicopters. Local fishermen, police, and port authority workers joined the effort to pull survivors from the sea. By the evening, 101 passengers had been rescued, but four remain critically injured in the hospital.
The Indian Navy expressed its regret over the tragedy, explaining that the speedboat had suffered an engine failure during trials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences, promising financial aid to the victims’ families—200,000 rupees ($2,350) for each deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
The Neelkamal ferry was on its way to Elephanta Caves, a historic site that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Now, it sits sunken beneath the waters of Mumbai Harbour, a grim reminder of the day that turned deadly.
This accident has left the nation in shock, raising questions about safety measures and the protocols for testing naval vessels in busy waters. For those who survived, it’s a story of courage and resilience in the face of tragedy—but for others, it’s a heartbreaking loss they’ll never forget.
