Mumbai Ferry Accident: Overcrowding on Boat and Lapses in Safety Under Scrutiny

Overcrowding and insufficient life jackets aboard the Neelkamal boat have been identified as the primary causes of the high death toll in the boat accident near Butcher Island on Wednesday, confirmed the Mumbai Police.

The investigation found that had there been adequate life jackets for all passengers on board, more lives could have been saved. It was also revealed that some passengers failed to wear life jackets, further compromising their safety.

Overcrowding and Violations of Safety Regulations

The ferry boat that capsized was reportedly found to be overcrowded. According to official regulations, the boat's maximum capacity is 90 people, including 84 passengers and six crew members. However, at the time of the incident, there were 111 people on board, exceeding the permitted capacity and violating safety rules. In accordance to these findings, the Mumbai Police are preparing to file charges against those responsible for the boat’s operation.

The boat, named Neelkamal, is registered with the Maritime Board, which issues its operational permits and licenses. In light of the investigation, Mumbai Police have sent letters to both the Maritime Board and the boat’s operators, requesting documentation related to the boat’s license and other relevant papers. These documents will be scrutinized, and cases will be filed for violations, including overloading and the lack of proper life-saving equipment.

Boat Seized and Investigation Ongoing

The boat has since been seized, and authorities are conducting further investigations at the accident site. The police are also examining the vessel itself. At the time of the accident, the boat was operated by four to five crew members, according to police sources.

In addition, the police are investigating the engine of the Navy speedboat. The Navy boat had six crew members onboard during the incident. Four of them died, while two survivors are receiving treatment at Ashwini Hospital and Mora Hospital. The police are collaborating with the Navy as part of the engine examination process.

New Safety Directives Issued for Boats

In the wake of the accident, Mumbai Police have issued new safety guidelines for boats departing from the Gateway of India and other coastal areas. The new directives mandate that all passengers wear life jackets during the trip. Boat operators are being instructed to enforce these measures strictly, with the warning that failure to comply will result in legal action.

Sources have confirmed that during the incident, many passengers did not wear life jackets, and the boat’s operator failed to ensure compliance with safety protocols. The police are in contact with the Maritime Board to take stern action against those responsible for the lapse in safety.

Victim Statements and Search for Missing Passengers

Mumbai Police have started recording statements from the victims of the boat tragedy. A case has been registered at Colaba Police Station, and so far, 11 statements have been taken. The police are also in the process of gathering testimonies from the two survivors of the Navy speedboat, who are currently hospitalized.

Search operations are continuing for two missing passengers: Hansraj Bhatti and 7-year-old Johan Naushad Ahmed. Out of the 115 people rescued during the operation, 13 have lost their lives. Among the rescued were five foreign nationals, including one from Canada, two from Germany, and two from the UK, all of whom are reported to be in stable condition.​