MUMBAI, Dec 20 (Alliance News): At least 13 people have lost their lives in a tragic incident near Mumbai, India, when a passenger ferry collided with a navy speedboat, throwing dozens of people into the sea.
The collision occurred on Wednesday as the passenger ferry Neelkamal was en route to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination off the coast of Mumbai.
The Maharashtra state chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, confirmed that 101 people had been rescued from the sea by the navy, coast guard, and police, with the help of 11 naval craft and four helicopters.
Of the 13 fatalities, 10 were civilians, and three were navy personnel. Two others are in critical condition and have been hospitalized.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into the cause of the crash, including reports suggesting an engine failure on the naval speedboat.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continue, and the families of the deceased will be compensated with 500,000 rupees ($5,890) each.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the families of the victims, with a national relief fund offering compensation for the deceased and injured.
