A tragic maritime accident off the coast of Mumbai on December 18 involved the passenger ferry Neel Kamal and an Indian Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), resulting in the deaths of 15 people. The accident, now under thorough investigation, is believed to have been caused by technical malfunctions on the Navy vessel, leading to it losing control and colliding with the overloaded ferry during engine trials.
Eyewitness reports and preliminary investigations suggest the Navy craft, which was traveling at high speed for engine trials, suffered failures in both the steering assembly and the throttle quadrant. Survivors from the Navy vessel indicated crew members were aware of these problems prior to the tragic collision but were unable to maneuver the boat away from impact.
The ferry was operating with 110 passengers onboard—significantly exceeding its licensed capacity of 84. That overload, combined with the high-speed impact from the Navy boat, resulted in the ferry capsizing and sinking shortly after the collision.
The Indian Navy has reported the incidents leading to the collision happened quickly. “The collision happened in a matter of a few seconds and the driver or any other member onboard did not have the time to manoeuvre the vessel to safety from the collision course,” said one Navy official. This, along with other findings, reinforces the notion of mechanical failure contributing to the disaster.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, involving both naval helicopters and Coast Guard vessels, which successfully rescued 98 survivors, but unfortunately, among the six crew members aboard the Navy craft, only two survived.
Following the accident, the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) responded by canceling the Neel Kamal's license to operate due to its breach of passenger capacity regulations. The board is also conducting its own investigation to gather more information about the incident. A case has been registered against the Navy craft's driver at Colaba police station, citing various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), indicating potential negligence and endangerment of public safety.
The Navy's operational protocols during engine trials are also under scrutiny. An official remarked, “Doesn't look like they were deliberately encircling the ferryboat... the craft was being tested for sea patrolling trials and such formations are regular.” This assertion is set against claims of sharp turns within racing protocols, raising questions about potential infringements or lapses during such high-stakes maneuvers.
The MMB and local law enforcement agencies are expected to work closely to assess the exact circumstances of the incident and the adherence to safety protocols. The Navy vessel remains under custody as investigations proceed. They will review findings from both the Navy's own Board of Inquiry and the MMB's probe, aiming to reach clarity on events leading to one of Mumbai's deadliest maritime disasters.
The public outcry following this incident has sparked concern over ferry safety regulations and emergency procedures, with many calling for stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies. Authorities will need to reassess operational standards for both ferries and military craft conducting trials near populated routes to safeguard against potential oversights.
