Mumbai witnessed a tragic ferry accident on Wednesday evening as a vessel capsized near Uran, Karanja, leaving two people dead and five others missing. The ferry, carrying 85 individuals, including five crew members, was en route to Elephanta Island when the incident occurred around 6:30 PM, officials reported.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), supported by local authorities, has been leading search and rescue efforts. According to the Coast Guard, 77 people have been successfully rescued, and two bodies have been recovered. However, the search for the remaining five missing passengers continues.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) confirmed that five rescued passengers are in critical condition and currently receiving treatment at a hospital, while the condition of others remains stable.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his concerns over the incident, saying, “We received reports about the accident involving the ferry ‘Nilkamal,’ which was heading to Elephanta. Naval, Coast Guard, and police teams were immediately deployed. Most passengers have been rescued, but efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals. All available resources have been mobilized for the operation.”
Fadnavis added that preliminary information suggests that 5 to 7 passengers are still missing. He also assured the public that further updates would be shared once detailed reports become available.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed authorities to accelerate rescue operations. “Deputy CM Shinde has instructed the use of resources from the Navy, Coast Guard, JNPT, and local fishing communities to ensure swift rescue efforts,” a statement from his office said.
Deputy CM Shinde also contacted Raigad District Collector Kisan Jawale and Mumbai City District Collector Sanjay Yadav for updates and issued directives to ensure coordinated efforts across all agencies involved in the operation.
The mishap occurred a few hours after the ferry departed for Elephanta at around 3:15 PM. As search and rescue operations continue, further details are awaited.
