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Mumbai Boat Accident: The tragic incident that occurred off the Mumbai coast when a Navy speedboat collided with a passenger ferry, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals, has come under scrutiny from multiple organisations. According to a survivor who lost his aunt in the accident, the driver of the Navy craft was “showing off” at the time of the collision.
The Navy vessel was undergoing engine trials when it lost control and struck the ferry Neel Kamal near Karanja in Mumbai around 4 pm on Wednesday. The ferry was transporting passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Meanwhile, Mumbai's Colaba Police have contacted both the Indian Navy and the Maharashtra Maritime Board for detailed information regarding the Mumbai boat accident.
The Mumbai Police is investigating why the Indian Navy conducted trials on a heavily trafficked maritime route and who granted permission for the ‘engine trial’ operation. Police have indicated that they are also considering whether proper protocols were followed during the trial.
Gaurav Gupta, a vegetable vendor from Nalasopara, was on board the ill-fated ferry with his aunt, who had come to Mumbai for his wedding. He expressed his heartbreak: “I met my aunt after many years. She came for my wedding, and I took her for sightseeing and a ferry ride in the sea. I had no idea it would be the last day of her life.”
The Mumbai boat accident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols, particularly as it has been revealed that the ferry was overloaded with more than 100 passengers despite its capacity being limited to 84.
The Indian Navy has confirmed that a board of inquiry will be established to investigate the incident further.
On Friday, Navy officers confirmed that Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is visiting Mumbai to review the Mumbai boat accident.
The Navy Chief is scheduled to visit the spot in the sea near the Mumbai harbour where the Mumbai boat accident took place and also meet the injured personnel admitted in the naval hospital INHS Ashwini.
“He will also be given a detailed briefing on the accident. A Board of Inquiry has been formed to investigate the reasons behind the accident. Search and rescue operations are still underway in the area,” Navy officials said.
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