13 dead as Navy boat hits ferry off Mumbai Coast

At least 13 persons, including a Navy personnel died, after a naval craft rammed into a ferry boat, capsizing it off the Mumbai coast. According to the Navy, around 4pm on Wednesday, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry - Neel Kamal off Karanja - in Mumbai. The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

A joint rescue operation was pressed in by the Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Mumbai police. 99 persons were rescued at the time of going to press. "...Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched by Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three marine police boats are undertaking rescue efforts.

The survivors picked up by Navy and civil craft were transferred to jetties and hospitals. So far 99 survivora have been rescued. The accident has reportedly led to the tragic loss of 13 lives, including 1 naval personnel and 2 Original Equipment Manufacturer onboard the naval craft," a Navy spokesperson said. "The boat's engine had recently been changed and the new engine was being tested. However, during the tests the engine got stuck on full throttle and the boat went out of control," said a defence source.