Thirteen dead after a Navy speedboat rams a ferry off Mumbai
At least 13 people died after an Indian Navy speedboat lost control and rammed a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai, a navy spokesman said.
Three navy personnel were among the dead while more than 100 people were rescued, Maharashtra state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
Footage of the incident published online shows the speedboat circling before crashing into the ferry, which later capsized.
The Indian Navy said there was an “engine malfunction.”
The private ferry was en route to Elephanta Caves, a popular tourist destination, when it was hit by the speedboat.
“A Navy ship undergoing engine testing lost control and collided with a passenger ferry,” the Navy said in a statement, adding that it regretted the “tragic loss” of life.
A passenger on board the ship told news channel ABP Majha: “The speedboat hit our boat, water entered our boat and it capsized. The driver asked us to wear life jackets.”
“I swam for 15 minutes before I was rescued by another boat,” said the passenger, who did not identify himself.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: “The boat accident in Mumbai is sad. My condolences go out to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon.”
