Mumbai: At least 13 persons were drowned to death while as two others have been critically injured after a private ferry boat in a suspected collisded with another vessel near the Gateway of India.
The chief Minister of Mumbai stated the incident occured at around 3:55 when a pessenger vessal collided with another vessal of Navy. The minister have also announced 5-lakh extra grataria to the families who have lost their loved ones in the incident.
Officials sources confirmed this incident and said that the maritime disaster happened around 5.15 p.m. when the launch with around more tha 100 tourist passengers was sailing from the iconic Gateway of India to the UNESCO Heritage Elephanta Islands.
Soon after the incident the Indian Navy’s four helicopters, Marine police and Indian coast guard along with the local fisherman community launched a massive rescue operation to save the tourists.
However, in the incident 13 people sailing in the boat have ben drowned to death while as two others have been critically injured also 99 tourists have been rescued.
Rajendra Padte, the boat owner, said that the ‘Neelkamal’ had departed on its regular voyage to Elephanta Islands around 3.15 p.m. and barely a couple of hours later the tragedy was reported.
“All passengers were wearing life jackets which are now compulsory. More than 14 other boats are engaged in the rescue operations,” Padte said.
However, several of the people struggling in the cold seawater could be seen wearing life jackets, as it turned dark and rescue operations could be hampered. While one tourist has been officially reported dead, there are unofficial reports of two more fatalities amid apprehensions that the toll may increase, officials indicated.
The rescue operation is going in the sea, more details are awaited.