Mumbai: Thirteen people died and 99 others rescued after a Navy vessel collided with a ferry off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, the Navy reported. Around 4 pm, a Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and crashed into the passenger ferry 'Neel Kamal' near Karanja, Mumbai, the Navy said in a statement. The ferry was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.

Search and rescue operations were promptly initiated by the Navy in coordination with the Coast Guard and Marine Police. The efforts involved four naval helicopters, 11 naval vessels, one Coast Guard boat, and three Marine Police boats, according to the Navy. The survivors, rescued by Navy and civilian craft in the area, have been transferred to nearby jetties and hospitals. So far, 99 survivors have been saved, the Navy added.

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The navy craft that crashed into the ferry which capsized killing 13 on Wednesday. Photo: PTI

The accident resulted in the loss of 13 lives, including one naval personnel and two members from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) on board the Navy craft, the Navy stated. The accounting of all personnel is ongoing, alongside the continued search and rescue operations in the area, PTI reported.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking in Nagpur, confirmed that 101 people had been rescued. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the collision, posted on X: "Injured personnel, including naval staff and civilians from both vessels, are receiving urgent medical care. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Extensive search and rescue efforts are ongoing by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, deploying multiple assets, to locate missing persons."

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