PM Modi announces ex-gratia for victims of Mumbai boat mishap

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic boat mishap in Mumbai on December 18.

The PM took to X to express his condolences, saying, “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.”

The incident occurred when an Indian Navy boat collided with the passenger ferry Neelkamal, causing it to capsize near Mumbai. The ferry was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves. The tragic maritime accident claimed 13 lives, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the accident took place around 3:55 pm when the Neelkamal collided with the Navy boat near Buchar Island. He announced that an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh would be provided to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Addressing the media, CM Fadnavis said, “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. Two critically injured individuals are being treated at the Navy Dockyard Hospital. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and police deployed 11 crafts and four helicopters for the rescue operation. However, the operation is ongoing, and further information regarding any missing persons will be available by tomorrow morning.”

The CM also confirmed that the incident would be jointly investigated by the police and the Indian Navy to ascertain the cause and prevent future occurrences.