MUMBAI: An Indian Navy speedboat, while undergoing tests, lost control and collided with a ferry near Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of 13 people, the Navy and government officials confirmed on Wednesday.
A video of the accident was also captured from the ferry which was carrying 110 people. The navy boast was carrying five people.
“Doctors have declared 13 people dead”, Maharashtra state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters, adding more than 100 people had been rescued.
“I pay my heartfelt tributes to those who died in this accident”, Fadnavis said, adding that “we share the grief of their families”.
The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India a British-era monument to the popular tourist spot of Elephanta Island, famous for its rock carvings.
The navy said there had been an “engine malfunction”.
The 13 dead included one naval servicemember and two representatives of an equipment manufacturer taking part in the tests, the navy said.
Two people critically injured were taken to the naval hospital. “Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched”, the navy said, with four naval helicopters flying overhead, while 11 naval craft and four coastguard or police boats searched the waters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon.”
According to Indian media, four helicopters are involved in the search and rescue operation.
