CNN
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At least 13 people were killed when a passenger ferry and a navy speedboat collided near a popular tourist destination in Mumbai, local officials said, throwing dozens overboard and killing dozens of people.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters on Wednesday that the collision occurred while the passenger ferry Neel Kamal was on its way to Elephanta Caves.
The caves, located on an island in the Sea of Oman just a short ferry ride from Mumbai, are one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Indian Coast Guard video footage taken after the incident shows a massive rescue operation in which dozens of people, some wearing life jackets, were safely ferried to other vessels by emergency services.
By Wednesday evening local time, 101 people had been rescued by the navy, coast guard and police, Fadnavis said, with 11 navy vessels and four helicopters taking part in the mission.
Of the 13 people killed, 10 were civilians and three were naval personnel. Two others remain in critical condition and hospitalized, he added.
Fadnavis added that the families of the deceased will be given 500,000 rupees (about $5,890).
“Our condolences go to the deceased. We stand in full solidarity with the grieving families at this difficult time,” Fadnavis said.
Police officials told CNN that an investigation is underway, including all those on board the speedboat.
Preliminary reports suggested the Navy’s high-speed boat suffered an engine failure, the official said.
Search and rescue operations are continuing, Fadnavis said, adding that more information would be provided to the public on Thursday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the families on Wednesday, saying that the Prime Minister’s Office’s National Relief Fund would provide about $2,400 to the next of kin of the victims and about $590 to the injured.
