**At least 13 individuals have tragically lost their lives following a naval speedboat collision with a passenger ferry off Mumbai, prompting national mourning and calls for improved safety protocols.**
**Tragic Collision at Sea: 13 Lives Lost Near Mumbai**
**Tragic Collision at Sea: 13 Lives Lost Near Mumbai**
**Devastating naval accident highlights the urgent need for maritime safety reforms.**
In a heartbreaking incident off the coast of Mumbai, a naval speedboat lost control and collided with a passenger ferry, resulting in the death of at least 13 individuals. The accident involved three naval personnel among the deceased and occurred while the ferry was en route to the renowned Elephanta Caves, a notable tourist attraction.
Witness accounts reveal that the navy's speedboat began circling erratically before crashing into the ferry, which subsequently capsized. Over 100 passengers were rescued, as reported by Maharashtra state's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A spokesperson for the Indian navy attributed the collision to an "engine malfunction."
"The Navy craft, which was undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry," the navy stated, expressing deep regret for the tragic loss of life. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moments when the speedboat struck, leading to chaos on the ferry as water flooded in and it flipped over.
One survivor recounted their harrowing experience to a local news channel: "The speedboat crashed into our boat, and we quickly began to take on water. The driver urged us to wear life jackets. I swam for 15 minutes before being rescued by another boat."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the mishap, offering condolences to the families of the victims and hoping for a speedy recovery for the injured. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stringent maritime safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Witness accounts reveal that the navy's speedboat began circling erratically before crashing into the ferry, which subsequently capsized. Over 100 passengers were rescued, as reported by Maharashtra state's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A spokesperson for the Indian navy attributed the collision to an "engine malfunction."
"The Navy craft, which was undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry," the navy stated, expressing deep regret for the tragic loss of life. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moments when the speedboat struck, leading to chaos on the ferry as water flooded in and it flipped over.
One survivor recounted their harrowing experience to a local news channel: "The speedboat crashed into our boat, and we quickly began to take on water. The driver urged us to wear life jackets. I swam for 15 minutes before being rescued by another boat."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the mishap, offering condolences to the families of the victims and hoping for a speedy recovery for the injured. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for stringent maritime safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
