Boat accident in Mumbai: PM Modi also announced Rs 50,000 for injured persons.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of 13 lives following a collision between two boats in Mumbai, while announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 aid for the injured.
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wrote to The injured would be given Rs. 50,000.”
In another post, the PMO, quoting Prime Minister Modi, wrote: “Mumbai boat accident is saddening. Condolences to the relatives. I pray that the injured recover quickly. Those affected are being assisted by the authorities: PM @narendramodi. “
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each person killed in the Mumbai boat accident. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/EPwReaayYk
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 18, 2024
In a horrific maritime disaster, at least 13 persons, including three Indian Navy sailors, drowned, plus another 99 were rescued from the Arabian Sea when a Navy speedboat on engine trials lost control and abruptly rammed into a passenger ferry, near Raigad coast, at Gateway. of India here Wednesday evening, officials said.
The passenger boat, reportedly a private catamaran named 'Neelkamal', was carrying around 110 tourists plus five crew members to the world-famous Elephanta Islands, a UNESCO heritage site, and the disaster occurred around 5.15 pm, the BMC Disaster Control said.
Official sources said that a rigid inflatable boat of the Indian Navy, which was undergoing engine tests, crashed into the 'Neelkamal' at high speed, causing it to overturn and throwing most of the tourists into the Arabian Sea near Uran, Karanja on Raigad coast , about 10 km from Gateway of Gateway. India.
The sources said the ferry, 'Neelkamal', may have broken down due to the sudden impact, overturned and started sinking while its passengers were thrown into the sea.
Videos of the tragedy, clicked by stunned passengers from other ferries in the area, showed horrific images of people screaming for help, waving their arms and legs to stay afloat or trying to prevent their loved ones from sinking in the cold seawater.
After receiving the SOS from multiple sources about the disaster, a large-scale rescue operation was launched by the Indian Navy's four helicopters and 15 other ships, including the Marine Police, Indian Coast Guard, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, along with local fishermen and others ferries to rescue the victims.
As of 9 p.m., authorities confirmed 13 deaths, including three Indian Navy sailors and ten civilians, a number 'critical' in various hospitals, and more than 100 other tourists whose condition is said to be 'stable' in various hospitals, as the search continues continues to another. five were still suspected of being 'missing' when darkness fell.
It was not immediately clear whether the ill-fated 'Neelkamal' was carrying passengers as per the stipulated norms for cargo and other safety measures.
The owner of the ship, Rajendra Padte, said the 'Neelkamal' had left for its regular tourist trip to Elephanta Islands around 3.15 pm and barely a few hours later the tragedy was reported, “but it was not our fault”.
“An Indian Navy speedboat first surrounded my boat, then zoomed away before returning at high speed and crashing into 'Neelkamal'. All the tourists were wearing life jackets which are now mandatory. More than a dozen other boats are involved in the rescue operation. operations,” a shocked Padte told the media.
An irate General Secretary of the Peasants & Workers Party of India (PWP), Jayant P. Patil, who was present at the spot, berated the concerned authorities for leading to the tragedy and the 'Neelkamal' sank into the water soon after.
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