At least 13 persons including three defense personnel lost their lives in a boat tragedy off the Mumbai coast yesterday. Expressing grief over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh rupees for the kin of the deceased and 50,000 rupees for the injured.
According to the Indian Navy, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry off Karanja, Mumbai at around 4PM. The ferry was carrying passengers from Gate Way of India to Elephanta Island. The accident led to the tragic loss of 13 lives including 1 Naval personnel and 2 Original Equipment Manufacturers onboard the Naval craft. Search and Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police.
Four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three Marine Police boats were pressed into service. 103 passengers were rescued who have been admitted to various hospitals. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has announced that an aid of Rs. 5 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased.
