On December 18, the passenger ferry Neel Kamal collided with an Indian Navy speedboat in the Indian Ocean off Mumbai, India. The Neel Kamal was taking some 111 passengers on a sightseeing trip to the Elephanta Caves, an island home to an UNESCO World Heritage site when it was rammed by the speedboat. The passenger ferry’s hull was holed and the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The vessel would roll over onto its side as it sank.
Authorities were able to launch a search and rescue operation immediately after the collision. Multiple helicopters along with 15 naval, police and coast guard vessels assisted in rescuing survivors from the incident. Authorities were aided by several private boats along with the harbor pilot boat Poorva which was able to rescue 25 from the sea.
Authorities report that 111 people were rescued with 4 sustaining critical injuries. Officials stated that 2 passengers were still reported as missing and 13 people perished from the incident.
A passenger captured the incident on video showing the speedboat making high speed zigzags before it struck the Neel Kamal. The Indian Navy has stated the speedboat had suffered engine failure and lost control. Authorities have stated the Neel Kamal was overloaded with passengers than it was rated for just 84 passengers and 6 crew. The incident is under investigation.
