Maharashtra Tragedy: Naval Speedboat Collision Claims Thirteen Lives

Thu Oct 23 2025 00:14:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A tragic maritime incident off Mumbai's coast results in multiple fatalities and raises safety concerns.

The collision between an Indian naval speedboat and a passenger ferry has led to the death of at least 13 individuals, including three naval personnel, shocking the local community and prompting a review of maritime safety protocols.

In a grievous incident off the coast of Mumbai, at least 13 people lost their lives when a naval speedboat collided with a passenger ferry en route to the Elephanta Caves, a well-known tourist site. According to a navy spokesperson, among the deceased are three members of the Indian Navy. The Maharashtra state chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, confirmed that over 100 individuals were successfully rescued following the crash.

Eyewitness footage circulating on social media captured the harrowing moments leading to the collision, showing the speedboat circling erratically before striking the ferry, which subsequently capsized. The navy cited an "engine malfunction" as the cause for the speedboat’s loss of control.

The private ferry was transporting passengers to the Elephanta Caves when tragedy struck. A passenger, speaking to the ABP Majha news channel, vividly recounted the event: "The speedboat crashed into our boat and water started entering our boat and it overturned. The driver asked us to wear lifejackets." He further described his struggle for survival, saying, "I swam for 15 minutes before I was rescued by another boat."

In light of this calamity, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, tweeting, "The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon." This incident underscores urgent safety concerns around maritime operations and the need for stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.