A speeding Navy craft, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' off near Mumbai coast on Wednesday. The ferry with more than 100 passengers was on its way from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction which has a collection of ancient caves
According to the Maharashtra Maritime Board — which is conducting an investigation into the accident — has cancelled the licence of Neel Kamal as the ferry was overloaded, thereby violating the Inland Vessel Act. The ferry had a capacity of 90 persons but had more than 100 people on it
According to one of the survivors of the Elephanta boat tragedy, there was a shortage of life jackets in the ferry
After the mishap, the board introduced new regulations requiring all ferry passengers in the state to wear life jackets during their journey
A case has been registered against the Navy craft officer in Colaba Police Station. The Navy has also launched a probe into one of the deadliest crashes in the city's harbour area
Some tourists, however, said the life jackets would be of help only if people know how to use them. The authorities should instruct people how to use the life jackets in case of an emergency, they said
An assistant boat inspector deputed at the Gateway of India told they have made the use of life jackets mandatory for every passenger taking the ferry boat to Mandva near Alibaug (in neighbouring Raigad), Elephanta Island or while going for a short ride of the Mumbai harbour
Meanwhile on Saturday, the police recovered the body of a seven-year-old boy, who went missing after the ferry boat capsized on Wednesday
A naval helicopter and boats of the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed to look for the missing passengers. Of the 113 persons on board both the vessels, 14 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued
The Tourist Guides Association of Mumbai (TOGA) has been raising concerns about the hazardous conditions of civilian ferry services operating between the Gateway of India and Elephanta Island
Despite these warnings, the authorities have failed to address issues, including overcrowding on boats and the lack of life jackets for passengers
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