The Indian Navy has disclosed crucial details from its investigation into the devastating collision between a naval speedboat and a passenger ferry in Mumbai last year, an incident that claimed 13 lives. The revelations came from Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, chief of the Western Naval Command, during the annual Navy Day conference held in Mumbai.
Board of Inquiry Findings and Pending Action
Addressing the media, Vice Admiral Swaminathan confirmed that the Western Naval Command (WNC) submitted its Board of Inquiry (BOI) report to Naval Headquarters three months ago. A final decision based on the findings is still awaited. The tragic accident occurred on December 18, 2024, when the passenger ferry Neel Kamal, carrying over 100 people from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, capsized near Butcher Island (Jawahar Dweep) after being struck.
New Safety Protocols and Police Charges
In response to the disaster, the Navy has instituted new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). "We have set SOPs to study the scenario and the traffic flow at sea during day and night and accordingly intimate the ferry service providers and fishing boats before boat trials are conducted," stated Vice Admiral Swaminathan. He emphasized the Navy's full cooperation with the ongoing probe by the Colaba police, who have already filed a chargesheet in the case.
The police investigation, citing video evidence from a passenger, painted a harrowing sequence of events. The naval craft, fitted with a new engine, lost control during trials. It was seen overtaking the ferry at high speed from the right, moving ahead, taking a U-turn, and then ramming into the ferry's rear at high velocity. Among the 13 deceased were a naval officer and two contractual workers.
Broader Context and Naval Preparedness
The incident has sparked intense calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety protocols for all vessels. During the conference, which commemorates the Navy's heroic actions in the 1971 India-Pakistan War, the WNC chief also addressed other matters. He mentioned that a decision on compensation for the Agniveer scheme would follow a court verdict on a separate case involving a stolen gun from Navy Nagar.
On defense preparedness, Vice Admiral Swaminathan stated the Navy is ready for missions like Operation Sindoor if needed. He outlined a significant modernization plan, revealing that 11 new warships have already been received, with 51 more scheduled in the coming years. The force aims to have at least 200 new warships by 2030 and is enhancing its arsenal with UAVs from the US. He added that the Navy is vigilantly monitoring movements by Pakistan and China, including recent missile tests.
