Mumbai, December 21, 2024 – The body of 7-year-old Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan was found early on Saturday morning in the Arabian Sea, almost three days after the clash.
Thus, the death toll has risen to 15 from the incident that happened on the 18th of December.
Incident Overview
On the 18th of December, a passenger ferry named ‘Neel Kamal’ was transporting more than 100 tourists from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island which is located in a UNESCO world heritage site and hosts magnificent cave temples.
Concurrently, an Indian Navy speedboat was conducting a series of engine tests on the high seas in the neighbourhood. Preliminary reports alleged that the naval craft lost control while carrying out an engine test and rammed into the ferry at full speed.
The impact caused the ferry to capsize several kilometers from the Mumbai coastline, estimated at around 5 km.
Search and Rescue Operations
Right after the incident, a large search and rescue operation was launched. The Indian Navy, assisted by the Coast Guard and local authorities, dispatched four helicopters and eleven naval craft to the area.
By the evening of the 18th December, 99 passengers had been taken off the ferry and brought to shore to obtain medical attention, some of whom were treated in local hospitals.
Regrettably, 13 individuals were confirmed dead from the event, including one Navy man and two aboard the naval craft.
The search continued for two missing individuals until Johan’s body was retrieved in the harbor area of Mumbai on December 21. The body of another missing individual was recovered on December 20.
The Navy has vowed to continue search operations until the ferry has been completely righted and all bodies are inspected to ensure none have been left unaccounted for.
Investigations and Legal Actions
In the wake of the collision, several investigations meant to analyze the cause and accountability of the tragedy have been initiated.
Accordingly, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has revoked the ‘Neel Kamal’ ferry license overloading as a breach of the Inland Vessel Act.
MMB records indicate that the ferry was permitted to carry 84 passengers plus 6 crew but was transporting over 100 passengers at the time of the accident.
Besides, the driver of the naval craft has been booked under the various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including causing death by negligence, endangering personal safety, giving rash exposition and navigation steering and acts of indecorum resulting in wrongful loss or damage.
The naval craft involved in the collision is presently in the custody of the Indian Navy, police said, although it is under investigation.
Community and Government Response
The tragedy has drawn hasty lamentations from different quarters, including the President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As stated by the PMO, an ex-gratia sum of ₹200,000 has been announced for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured in the mishap.
The local communities, especially the ones connected to the victims, have expressed deeply felt grief and called for strict safety measures to avert the occurrence of such tragedies in the future.
The Elephanta Island route is a regularly frequented tourist attraction, and this incident has raised serious issues about maritime safety and the enforcement of regulations in the area.
