Mumbai Ferry- Navy Boat Collision: Body of a 7-Year-Old Found; Death Toll Rises to 15

The body of a seven-year-old boy, Zohan Pathan, was found on Saturday, several days after he went missing in the ferry-Indian Navy boat collision off the Mumbai coast on December 18. Zohan, who was from Goa, had been missing since the accident, in which his mother also lost her life. With the recovery of his body, the death toll from the incident has risen to 15.

The Indian Navy is investigating the collision, which took place in the city's harbour area. As part of the search and rescue operation, the Navy deployed helicopters and boats, along with the Coast Guard, to search for missing passengers.

A total of 113 people were on board both vessels involved in the crash. While 15 people died, 98 passengers were rescued, including two who sustained injuries. The Navy boat had six crew members aboard, with two survivors.

The incident occurred when the Navy craft, which was undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry, Neel Kamal. The ferry, carrying more than 100 passengers, was en route to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination near Mumbai. Official records from the Maharashtra Maritime Board revealed that the ferry, which was permitted to carry only 84 passengers and 6 crew members, was overcrowded at the time of the accident.