STORY: 13 killed as Indian Navy speedboat collides with ferry off Mumbai
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Dec. 19, 2024
LENGTH: 00:00:23
LOCATION: New Delhi
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. Shot of India gate
2. Shot of rescue operation (Source: IANS)

STORYLINE:

At least 13 people were killed Wednesday after a speedboat belonging to the Indian Navy crashed into a passenger ferry off Mumbai.

According to the Indian Navy, the speedboat was undergoing engine trials in the sea when it lost control and collided with the passenger ferry.

A statement issued by the Indian Navy said that an Indian Navy craft "lost control while undertaking engine trials in Mumbai Harbour due to engine malfunction."

"As a result, the boat collided with a passenger ferry which subsequently capsized. 13 fatalities have been reported so far," it added.

"Survivors rescued from the incident site are being shifted to nearby hospitals. Search and rescue efforts have been immediately launched wherein four naval helicopters, 11 naval craft, one Coast Guard boat and three marine police craft have been pressed into action to recover the survivors," Navy further said.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed grief over the loss of precious lives.

"Deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collision between passenger ferry and Indian Navy craft in Mumbai Harbour. Injured personnel, including naval personnel and civilians from both vessels, are receiving urgent medical care," Singh said in a statement. "My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Extensive search and rescue efforts are ongoing by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, deploying multiple assets, to locate missing persons."

Indian President Droupadi Murmu has also condoled the deaths of passengers and Navy personnel in the accident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said during a press briefing that the incident took place at around 3:55 p.m. (1025 GMT).

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from New Delhi.
(XHTV)