NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each deceased in the Mumbai boat accident.
“The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon. Those affected are being assisted by the authorities,” Prime Minister Modi said in a statement.
At least 13 people have died and over 100 others were rescued after a Navy craft crashed into a ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday evening.
“The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the boat mishap in Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” PMO said in a post on X.
Around 4 pm, a Navy vessel conducting engine trials lost control and collided with the passenger ferry ‘Neel Kamal’ near Karanja off Mumbai, according to a statement by the Navy. The ferry was carrying passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a well-known tourist destination.
President Droupadi Murmu also expressed her condolences over the tragic incident. “I am shocked and saddened to learn about the accident involving a passenger ferry and an Indian Navy craft near Mumbai Harbour. My condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives. I pray for the swift success of the rescue and relief operations and the quick recovery of the survivors,” the President said in a post on X.
Moreover, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Addressing the media, CM Fadnavis said, “Near Mumbai, on Buchar Island, a passenger vessel named Neel kamal capsized around 3:55 pm after colliding with a Navy boat. So far, 101 people have been rescued, but 13 lives have been lost as of 7:30 pm. Among the deceased, 10 were civilians, and three were Navy personnel. Families of those who lost their lives will receive an ex-gratia of Rs5 lakh from the CM Relief Fund. The incident will be jointly investigated by the police and the Indian Navy.”