Mumbai, Dec. 19: Thirteen people, including four Navy personnel and nine civilians, died on Wednesday when a tourist boat sank following a collision with a naval patrol vessel in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, officials said.
The accident occurred around 3:55 p.m. near Butcher Island, as the Nilkamal boat, overcrowded with 110 passengers, began taking on water after it was hit. The boat, which typically has a capacity for 80 people, was en route from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves. The passengers included 20 children, with 101 survivors rescued and rushed to hospitals.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the Assembly at 8:25 p.m., confirming the deaths and announcing compensation for the victims. “The state government will provide Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives,” he said.
Preliminary findings indicate that a speeding Navy patrol boat collided with the Nilkamal, causing it to fill with water and sink rapidly. Witnesses described panic onboard as passengers scrambled to stay afloat before being rescued by nearby vessels and emergency teams.
Fadnavis assured that the accident would be thoroughly investigated by a joint team of police and Navy officials to determine accountability and prevent similar tragedies.
“A detailed probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause of this unfortunate incident,” he added.
Maritime authorities have since increased safety measures on this busy route, frequented by tourists traveling to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, while families of the victims await further updates.
