Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has confirmed the tragic loss of 13 lives after a ferry capsized off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday evening. Two individuals remain in critical condition following the incident.

The mishap occurred at approximately 3:55 pm when a passenger vessel, Neelkamal, collided with a Navy boat during its journey. Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister expressed condolences and announced that families of the deceased will receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

“Rescue efforts are ongoing, and a detailed statement will be issued tomorrow,” CM Fadnavis said. He revealed that 101 passengers have been rescued, while 13 fatalities have been reported so far, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel.

The operation involves a combined effort from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local police, who deployed 11 rescue crafts and four helicopters. Two critically injured survivors are currently undergoing treatment at the Navy Dockyard Hospital in Mumbai.

Officials confirmed that the Neelkamal ferry, carrying 85 passengers along with five crew members, was en route to Elephanta Island when it collided with an Indian Navy craft near Uran, Karanja, around 6:30 pm. A Navy spokesperson explained that the Navy vessel lost control during engine trials due to a malfunction, leading to the collision.

“Search and rescue efforts began immediately after the collision,” said the spokesperson. “These efforts, involving four helicopters, 11 naval crafts, one Coast Guard boat, and three marine police boats, have so far rescued 99 survivors.”

In an official statement, the Indian Navy detailed the collision, stating: “This afternoon, a Navy craft lost control due to an engine malfunction during trials in Mumbai Harbour, resulting in a collision with the ferry Neelkamal, which subsequently capsized. Thirteen fatalities have been reported. Survivors are being shifted to nearby hospitals.”

(ANI)