An Indian Navy craft (speedboat), which was being tested for a newly fitted engine, A malfunction was experienced and the passenger ferry crashedThirteen people were killed in an accident off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday, naval officials said.
An investigation has been started to find out the actual cause of the incident, but it is believed that the accident occurred after the passenger lost control due to engine failure.
Officials said they still did not know whether one of the two naval officers or one of the other four passengers (in the speedboat) was controlling the ship, adding that a probe committee would be formed to investigate the incident.
“When a major component, such as an engine, is installed in a craft, we conduct extensive tests along with the OEM to prevent any issues from arising at critical moments. For example, if the manufacturer claims that the engine can reach speeds of 140 kmph, we verify the claim. A similar test was being conducted with them,’ said an official.
After installing the new engine, six people, including four OEM representatives, began testing when the rider lost control, causing a collision with passenger ferry Neel Kamal at Karanja in Mumbai at 4 pm. The ferry was transporting passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Rescue operations continue after a boat capsized when a navy ship capsized off the coast of Mumbai on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. At least 13 passengers died and 99 were rescued. (PTI photo)
The Mumbai police said they have registered an FIR against the speedboat occupants, including the navy boatman.
“Minutes after the incident, a video of a high-speed speedboat colliding with a ferry boat went viral on social media. The person who shot the video, identified as Natharam Chaudhary, is the complainant in the case,” said a senior Mumbai police officer, adding that they have registered a case under relevant sections of negligence among others. .
Navy officials claimed that the speedboat was carrying two Navy personnel and four Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) representatives, who were testing the new engine. Mahendra Singh Shekhawat of the Indian Navy and two OEM representatives Praveen Sharma and Mangesh were killed in the incident.
“One person participating in the test on the speed boat has been seriously injured, and two others are undergoing treatment,” a naval official said.
“Search and rescue operations were immediately launched by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and the Maritime Police. Four naval helicopters, 11 naval vessels, one coast guard boat and three marine police boats were involved in the rescue operation,” the defense spokesperson said.
Officials said that an investigation committee will be formed to understand the cause of the incident. “We will investigate how the engine malfunctioned and determine whether any other factors contributed to the accident,” they added.
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