Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi is scheduled to visit Mumbai on Friday to personally assess the recent collision between a naval speedboat and a passenger ferry in Mumbai harbour. The tragic accident on Wednesday claimed 14 lives. His visit will emphasize critical aspects of safety, security, and adherence to standard operating procedures, according to officials familiar with the matter.

The Western Naval Command, based in Mumbai, has initiated a board of inquiry to investigate the cause of the incident. The inquiry is led by a commodore. The navy revealed that the speedboat was undergoing engine trials when it lost control and collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal, which was carrying over 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

This accident occurred shortly after another maritime mishap, where a fishing boat collided with an Indian Navy submarine off the Goa coast, resulting in the sinking of the boat and the deaths of two fishermen.

Admiral Tripathi, who returned to Delhi on Thursday following a four-day visit to Indonesia to strengthen bilateral ties, will chair a special session focusing on safety and security measures during the next Naval Commanders' Conference in March 2025. This session will address the findings of a special task force (STF) report issued earlier this year. The STF was formed in July after a fire aboard the multi-role frigate INS Brahmaputra led to significant damage and the loss of a sailor.

The navy has already implemented several measures based on the STF’s recommendations to enhance safety and prevent accidents. "Each incident is taken seriously, and the focus remains on minimizing risks," said an official.

Search and rescue operations, involving navy and coast guard vessels and helicopters, have been ongoing in the vicinity of the collision site. On Wednesday, 110 people were rescued, while four naval personnel aboard the speedboat, including three representatives of the boat’s manufacturer, lost their lives. Two passengers from the ferry remain unaccounted for.

The navy extended condolences to the victims' families and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Admiral Tripathi reaffirmed the navy's commitment to prioritizing safety and learning from these incidents to avoid future tragedies.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times