Gateway of India One Dead, 75 Rescued After Ferry Capsizes in Mumbai

Tragedy Strikes Near Gateway of India: One Dead, 75 Rescued as Ferry Capsizes

In a tragic incident off the coast of Mumbai, a ferry carrying around 80 passengers capsized near the iconic Gateway of India on the morning of December 18, 2024. The ferry, which was on its way to Elephanta Island, sank following a collision with a speedboat, resulting in the death of at least one person and the rescue of 75 others. Authorities and rescue teams are still working to locate the remaining missing passengers, and the event has shaken both locals and tourists in Mumbai.

The Incident

The ferry, which had departed from the Gateway of India for Elephanta Island, one of Mumbai’s top tourist destinations, was struck by a speedboat, causing the vessel to tilt dangerously and eventually capsize. The collision happened shortly after 10 a.m., leaving passengers scrambling to escape the sinking ship. The speedboat’s impact caused severe damage to the ferry’s hull, triggering the rapid descent into the waters of the Arabian Sea.

The victims, mostly tourists and locals traveling to the island, were left in a dire situation as the ferry sank into the sea. Panic ensued as passengers struggled to remain afloat amidst the chaos. However, thanks to the swift response of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and local rescue teams, many passengers were pulled from the water, some suffering from minor to severe injuries.

Immediate Rescue Operations

The quick deployment of rescue teams helped avert an even greater tragedy. The Indian Navy, in coordination with the Coast Guard and Mumbai Police, launched an immediate operation to save those stranded in the water. Helicopters and rescue boats were dispatched, and local fishermen joined the efforts in providing assistance to those in need.

Within a few hours of the capsizing, approximately 75 passengers were successfully rescued. They were brought to safety at the Gateway of India, where they were immediately attended to by medical teams. While many of the rescued individuals sustained only minor injuries, some required urgent medical attention due to shock and hypothermia.

Despite the successful rescue of most passengers, authorities confirmed that at least one person had lost their life in the tragedy. Furthermore, four individuals were reported to be in critical condition, and five others remained unaccounted for, sparking ongoing search efforts.

The Victims

Among the victims was a 32-year-old woman from New Delhi, who was reportedly traveling with her family for a holiday. Her body was recovered from the waters shortly after the incident, and her identity has been confirmed by local police. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collision and working to identify other victims. A few families who had come to enjoy the holiday were also caught in the disaster, and many are still reeling from the shock.

The survivors were seen visibly shaken as they made their way back to safety, some still grappling with the horror of the event. One survivor, who had been on the ferry with his wife and two young children, described the terrifying moment the boat started sinking. “The ferry tilted sharply, and the next thing we knew, people were screaming. It was a nightmare,” he recalled.

Ongoing Search and Investigation

The search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the Indian Navy and Coast Guard utilizing helicopters and vessels to comb the waters near the Gateway of India. The area around Elephanta Island, a popular tourist spot, has been cordoned off while rescue teams focus on locating the remaining missing passengers.

“We are in the process of identifying the missing persons, and we are committed to bringing them to safety,” said a spokesperson for the Coast Guard. The authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to find those still unaccounted for.

The police have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. While initial reports suggest a collision with a speedboat, officials are considering all possibilities, including mechanical failure, human error, or a combination of factors. Local authorities are working to gather witness testimonies and CCTV footage from nearby areas to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Impact on Tourism and Local Communities

This incident has cast a dark shadow over Mumbai’s thriving tourism sector, which is heavily reliant on daily ferry services to popular spots like Elephanta Island and other nearby destinations. The Gateway of India, a landmark associated with Mumbai’s colonial past, attracts millions of tourists each year. The tragedy has left both tourists and locals shaken, with many questioning the safety standards of ferry services operating in the region.

Mumbai’s ferry operators have faced increased scrutiny in the wake of the incident. Questions about the quality of the boats, crew training, and maintenance procedures are likely to dominate discussions in the coming days. The authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough review of the ferry services to ensure passenger safety.

Final Thoughts

As the rescue operations continue, the city of Mumbai remains in shock over this devastating incident. The loss of life and the ongoing search for the missing have deeply affected the community, and many are awaiting updates on the whereabouts of the last missing passengers.

In the wake of this tragedy, there will likely be calls for stricter regulations on ferry services in Mumbai, with the hope that such incidents will not repeat in the future. For now, the focus remains on the survivors, and on offering support to the families affected by this heartbreaking disaster.

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