Mumbai, 19 December 2024: Four Navy personnel and nine civilians were among 14 people killed when a tourist boat collided with a naval patrol vessel in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai on Wednesday, officials said.
According to reports, the mishap occurred around 3:55 p.m. near Butcher Island, involving the Nilkamal boat, which was en route from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves.
The boat, designed to carry 80 passengers, was overcrowded with 110 people, including 20 children, at the time of the crash.
Rescue operations led to the recovery of 101 survivors, who were hospitalized with injuries. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the Assembly and announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
A joint investigation by the Navy and police is underway to determine the cause of the collision, as authorities tighten maritime safety protocols along the heavily trafficked route.
