Undergoing testing for a newly installed engine, collided with a passenger ferry. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. near Karanja, Mumbai, when the speedboat crashed into the Neel Kamal, a ferry carrying passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Six people were aboard the speedboat, including four OEM officials and two Navy officers monitoring the new engine. Investigators believe the operator lost control of the boat due to an engine malfunction, causing the crash.
Among the deceased were OEM officials Pravin Sharma and Mangesh, as well as Navy officer Mahendra Singh Shekhawat. One person was seriously harmed, and two others suffered injuries as well.
Initial reports suggest that the engine failure was the primary cause. When major components like engines are installed, the Navy conducts extensive tests to ensure performance under real-world conditions.
In this case, the engine, capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h, was being tested with OEM representatives present to verify its capabilities. But there was a serious loss of the engine failure.
The Mumbai police have responded to the event by filing a formal complaint against the driver and all other passengers within the speedboat. Crash was captured by Natharam Chaudhary, who has been named as the complainant in the case.
The FIR includes charges related to negligence, and investigators are exploring other potential contributing factors in Mumbai.
A major search and rescue operation was launched immediately, with the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Police working together. Eleven naval craft, four naval helicopters, and several boats were sent in to help with the rescue.
A board of inquiry will further investigate the engine failure and any other possible causes of the crash. The Navy has assured that necessary actions will be taken based on the inquiry’s findings to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, legal actions are ongoing, and the police investigation continues.
