Navy Probe Finds Steering Lock Responsible for Nilkamal Ferry Collision : Sources

A major revelation has emerged regarding the boat accident near the Gateway of India in Mumbai. According to sources, the Navy's preliminary investigation report has found that the speed boat allegedly collided with the Nilkamal ferry due to a sudden lock in its hydraulic steering system.

Navy sources said that during an engine trial, MARCOS commando Karamveer Yadav, who was operating the speed boat, attempted to steer it in another direction. However, the steering system locked, causing the boat to lose control and crash directly into the ferry.

The Navy is now investigating how the speed boat's steering locked during the trial and the technical reasons behind it.

According to sources, Karamveer Yadav had allegedly undergone CD-3 (Clearance Diver) training in Goa and had arrived in Mumbai just a few days earlier after receiving his certification. CD-3 training qualifies an individual to dive 35–100 meters underwater, which is why Yadav was entrusted with the responsibility of operating the speed boat.

According to sources, Assistant Engineer Deep Kishore Nikoshe, who was on the speedboat and injured in the incident, stated that the driver's efforts ensured the boat collided with the rear section of the ferry instead of the middle section. If it had hit the middle section near the diesel tank, the ferry could have caught fire immediately. However, due to the steering lock, the boat could not be steered away, leading to the accident.

According to sources, the speedboat involved in the accident was allegedly manufactured by a German company. The high-speed boat had a seating capacity of nine people. However, during the trial, six people were on board, four of whom have died.

According to sources, during the engine trial, the Navy's speed boat was allegedly moving at a speed of 32 knots. Additionally, as the trial progressed, the boat was being operated alternately by different individuals.

High-speed boats are primarily used by the Navy's MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) for emergency and special operations, including maritime disaster management, counter-terrorism operations, rescue missions, and covert operations. Equipped with the latest technology and mechanical capabilities, the sudden locking of the boat’s steering has raised serious questions about its quality. A high-level Navy committee is now investigating the issue to find answers.​