Indian Navy Speedboat Collides with Ferry off Mumbai Coast, Killing 13

An Indian Navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry near the Gateway of India on Wednesday, resulting in 13 fatalities, including three Indian Navy personnel.

The Indian Navy confirmed that the speedboat involved in the accident was a naval craft that lost control during engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to an engine malfunction. The collision caused the ferry, identified as Neelkamal, to capsize while en route to the Elephanta Islands.

In a statement, the Navy detailed the rescue efforts, which involved four naval helicopters, 11 naval vessels, one Coast Guard boat, and three marine police crafts. So far, 99 survivors have been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the incident on X, emphasizing that extensive search and rescue operations were underway to locate missing persons. The victims include 10 civilians and three Navy personnel.

Mumbai police and the Indian Navy have announced a joint investigation to determine the causes of the accident and assess safety measures for maritime activities in the region.