By The Web Desk
TWA
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At least 13 people have died and two others are critically injured following a collision between a navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves, a popular tourist destination.
According to local officials, the incident occurred as the ferry, *Neelkamal*, was en route to the UNESCO World Heritage Site located on an island in the Sea of Oman. Video footage from the Indian Coast Guard shows a large-scale rescue operation, with dozens of passengers being rescued by navy, coast guard, and police vessels.
By Wednesday evening, 101 people had been rescued, with 11 navy crafts and four helicopters involved in the operation. Of the 13 fatalities, 10 were civilians, and three were navy personnel. The two critically injured passengers have been hospitalized.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the incident is under investigation by both police and the navy. Preliminary reports suggest the navy boat may have experienced an engine failure before the crash.
In a statement, Fadnavis expressed his condolences, announcing that the families of the deceased would receive 500,000 rupees (approximately $5,890). Search and rescue efforts continue as authorities work to gather more information, with further updates expected on Thursday.
