A tragic incident unfolded off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday when a passenger boat, Neelkamal, carrying 80 passengers and five crew members, capsized during its journey from Elephanta Caves to the Gateway of India. The mishap has claimed two lives so far, with several others reported missing. While 75 people were successfully rescued, authorities are intensively searching for seven to eight passengers who remain unaccounted for, according to news agency PTI.
The accident has triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies. Eleven Navy boats have been deployed, along with three Marine Police vessels and a Coast Guard boat, to comb through the waters in search of survivors. The search effort has also been bolstered by four helicopters, which are conducting aerial surveillance. Resources from the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and local fishermen have been brought into action, highlighting the collaborative efforts to manage the crisis. Local fishermen, in particular, have been instrumental in offering their boats and expertise to navigate the waters efficiently.
The Neelkamal reportedly ferried passengers back to Mumbai after they visited the iconic Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist destination. Initial reports suggest the incident occurred in the early evening, but the exact cause of the capsizing is still under investigation. Officials are probing whether the boat was overcrowded or if adverse weather conditions contributed to the tragedy.
As the search operations continue, the situation has left families of the victims and the missing in a state of anguish, anxiously awaiting news. Medical teams and emergency personnel are on standby, ready to assist rescued passengers and provide support to the affected families. Survivors have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment and observation.
This incident raises pressing questions about maritime safety regulations and the enforcement of safety protocols on passenger vessels operating in the region. Authorities are likely to face increased scrutiny over the licensing, maintenance, and safety measures of ferries operating in and around Mumbai.
The tragic accident has sent shockwaves across the city, with many expressing condolences for the victims and their families. The state government has assured the public that all efforts are being made to locate the missing passengers and ensure the safety of those rescued. Promises of a thorough investigation and accountability have been made, with the aim of preventing such incidents in the future.
As the rescue teams race against time, the nation watches in anticipation, hoping for more survivors to be found and grieving for the lives already lost. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in maritime transport, especially in a region as bustling and dynamic as Mumbai.
