The body of seven-year-old Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan, who had been missing since the ferry-Navy craft collision off Mumbai’s coast, was found on Saturday morning, concluding a three-day search operation, an official confirmed.
This discovery brings the death toll of the December 18 tragedy to 15. A naval probe has been initiated to investigate what has become one of the deadliest maritime accidents in the city’s harbour area.
As part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation, naval helicopters and boats, alongside Coast Guard vessels, scoured the area for missing passengers. Out of the 113 individuals aboard the two vessels, 98, including two injured, were rescued.
The Navy craft involved had six personnel onboard, of which only two survived, the official reported. The accident occurred when the Navy craft, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry ‘Neel Kamal.’
The ferry, overloaded with over 100 passengers, was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a renowned tourist destination known for its ancient caves. However, as per Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) records, the ferry was authorized to carry a maximum of 90 people, including 84 passengers and six crew members.
The MMB has since revoked the ferry’s license for violating the Inland Vessel Act due to overloading. A police investigation has been launched, and a case has been registered against the Navy craft driver at the Colaba police station.
The First Information Report (FIR) includes charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to causing death by negligence, endangering life or personal safety, rash or negligent navigation, and acts of mischief resulting in wrongful loss or damage.
The Navy retains custody of the damaged craft and will hand it over to authorities as required for the investigation, officials stated.
