A tragic ferry accident near Mumbai’s Butcher Island turned into a story of heroism when three Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel led an extraordinary rescue operation on Wednesday. Their swift actions saved the lives of 35 passengers within minutes and aided in the eventual rescue of 72 people from the ill-fated Neelkamal ferry, which capsized after being struck by an out-of-control Navy speedboat.
The Incident
The ferry, carrying over 100 passengers en route to Elephanta Caves from the Gateway of India, capsized following a collision with a Navy craft undergoing engine trials. The Navy craft reportedly lost control due to a throttle issue during the trial of a newly installed engine.
The accident claimed 13 lives, including two children, a Navy personnel, and two engineers from the original equipment manufacturer overseeing the engine trials.
Heroic Rescue by CISF
Constables Amol Sawant, Vikas Ghosh, and Arun Singh of the CISF were patrolling just a few nautical miles from the site when they received an SOS call. Reacting promptly, their patrol boat, Shera 1, reached the scene within 10 minutes.
Constable Sawant described the chaotic scene: “The boat was completely capsized. Our priority was to save the children. The first person we rescued was a three-year-old.” Despite their boat’s capacity of 15, the CISF team managed to accommodate around 30 passengers temporarily before transferring them to a passing Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) vessel.
Many rescued passengers were unconscious, prompting the CISF personnel to perform CPR on board before further medical assistance arrived.
Coordinated Rescue Operations
The accident triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving the Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Mumbai Police, and JNPT. Four naval helicopters, 11 Navy vessels, a Coast Guard boat, and three Marine Police boats were deployed. Survivors were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Government Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that the Navy craft involved in the collision was testing a new engine when the throttle malfunctioned. He announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured a thorough investigation by the state police and Navy.
Eyewitness Accounts
A viral video captured by a passenger showed the Navy speedboat crashing into the ferry, triggering panic among passengers. Witnesses reported seeing people thrown into the sea and nearby boats rushing to their aid.
A Somber Reminder
While the heroic actions of the CISF and other responders saved many lives, the tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols during trials and passenger ferry operations.
