Indian navy ship rams passenger ferry, at least 13 dead

At least 13 people were killed when an Indian navy ship collided with and capsized a ferry carrying more than 100 passengers off the coast of Mumbai.

"An Indian Navy ship lost control while testing its engine at Mumbai port. However, due to engine failure, the ship collided with a passenger ferry, causing the ferry to capsize," Reuters quoted a statement from the Indian Navy on December 18.

A passenger boat in Mumbai (India) on December 18, 2024

The Indian Navy said 99 people had been rescued and rescue efforts were underway to save others. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the passenger ferry Neelkamal capsized and sank after the collision. 100 people were rescued, but 13 people died in the accident.

Indian media reported that the ferry was carrying 110 people, including 20 children. Two soldiers and four members of the engine manufacturer were on board the navy boat. Among the dead were a soldier and two representatives of the engine manufacturer that was on the boat for the test, according to the Indian navy.

"The speedboat hit our boat and water started pouring into the boat causing it to capsize. The boat driver asked us to wear life jackets. I swam for 15 minutes before being rescued by another boat," a passenger on board told ABP Majha news channel.

"The boat accident in Mumbai is very sad. My condolences to the families of the deceased," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Modi also announced that he would give 200,000 rupees ($2,356) from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each person who died in the accident. Those injured in the ferry capsize would also be given 50,000 rupees.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tau-hai-quan-an-do-huc-lat-pha-cho-khach-it-nhat-13-nguoi-thiet-mang-185241219112511897.htm