Mumbai: 13 Dead After Ferry Capsizes Near Gateway Of India, 101 Rescued, CM Announces Ex Gratia

At least 13 people died after a ferry named 'Neelkamal' capsized near Mumbai's Gateway of India on Wednesday. So far 101 passengers have been rescued and efforts to rescue the missing passengers are underway with the help of the Navy, Coast Guard, Yellowgate Police Station, and local fishing boats. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced Rs. 5 lakh ex gratia from the CM relief fund for the bereaved families.

According to preliminary information, it was said that there were 30 to 35 passengers on the ferry. However, it has now come to the fore that there were over 100 passengers onboard. The exact number of passengers remain unconfirmed.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: According to preliminary information, the ferry boat 'Neelkamal' has capsized near Uran, Karanja. Preliminary information is that there are 30 to 35 passengers in it. Rescue operations are underway with the help of Navy, Coast Guard, Yellowgate… https://t.co/X78yGKwa3d pic.twitter.com/ODiXXAbbhG

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024

The incident took place when the boat was travelling from the Gateway to Elephanta Island near Uran, Karanja. The search operations are being carried out by ICG ships and the survivors are on board Indian Coast Guard ship Subhadra Kumari Chauhan, Indian Coast Guard officials told news agency ANI.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that a boat collided with the 'Neelkamal' passenger vessel at around 3:35 PM. He added that the deceased includes 10 civilians and three Navy personnel. 

"As per the information till 7.30 pm, 101 have been rescued safely and 13 people have died. Among the 13 deceased, 10 are civilians and 3 are Navy personnel. Two people who are critically injured are admitted to the Navy hospital. Using 11 craft and 4 helicopters, the Navy, Coast Guard and police have carried out the rescue operations. The final information regarding any more missing people will be available tomorrow morning," he said.

The CM added, "The bereaved families will be given Rs. 5 lakhs ex gratia from the CM relief fund. The whole incident would be investigated by the police and the Navy."

#WATCH | Mumbai Boat Accident | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "Near Mumbai, at the Butcher Island, a Navy boat collided with 'Neelkamal' passenger vessel at around 3.55 pm. As per the information till 7.30 pm, 101 have been rescued safely and 13 people have died. Among… pic.twitter.com/9hnAeeGpJD

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024

Visuals from the site showed passengers wearing life jackets being rescued and shifted to another boat, while the vessel slowly sank into the sea.

A passenger ferry near Elephanta Island has sank at Uran, having 30-35 people in it. Rescue operations are being conducted by Mumbai Police & Indian Navy. pic.twitter.com/wE4EXg6jfI

— Mumbai Rains (@rushikesh_agre_) December 18, 2024

Reacting to the Mumbai boat accident, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis had earlier said: "I have received preliminary information. Approximately 30 to 35 people have been on that boat. Out of them, 20 people have been rescued. Preliminary information is that 5 to 7 people are still missing. I will make a statement in the House as soon as I receive detailed information. The boat had left for Elephanta at around 3.15 pm."

Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Aaditya Thackrey stated that he had raised the matter in the House, adding that rescue was underway. "As per the information, one boat has capsized. There were around 30-35 people on board. We raised the issue in the House. The CM has said that the rescue operations are underway. We hope that everyone is safe. There is a report of one death".

Mumbai Boat Accident | Nagpur: Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Aaditya Thackrey says, “As per the information, one boat has capsized. There were around 30-35 people on board. We raised the issue in the House. The CM has said that the rescue operations are underway. We hope that everyone… pic.twitter.com/f97Uub5acO

— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024

The rescue operation involved 11 Navy boats, three marine police boats, and one Coast Guard Vessel, which coordinated to actively search the sea. Besides this, four helicopters were deployed for Search and Rescue operations, PTI reported.