Rescue operations are underway after a naval vessel collided with a ferry off the coast of Mumbai, causing it to capsize on December 18, 2024. File | Photo Credit: PTI
The authorities on Thursday (December 19, 2024) made it compulsory for all people boarding boats from the Gateway of India to wear life jackets, a day after 13 people were killed in a collision between a ferry and a navy vessel off the coast of Mumbai.
However, some visitors said life jackets are only effective if people know how to use them. They said authorities should instruct people on how to use life jackets in emergencies.
Some survivors of Wednesday’s (18 December 2024) tragedy claimed the ferry did not have enough life jackets.
On the afternoon of Wednesday (December 18), a naval ship conducting engine testing collided with the passenger ship “Neel Kamal”, killing 13 people, including one navy personnel and two navy contract workers. The ferry was carrying more than 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to Koh Chang.
Devidas Jadhav, Assistant Ship Inspector, Gateway of India said press trust of india (PTI) They have made it mandatory for every passenger taking a ferry to Mandva, Elephanta Island near Alibaug (near Raigad) or for short voyages in Mumbai harbor.
Sangeeta Dalvi, who was traveling to Mandwa along with her husband on a business trip, said passengers must use life jackets as they can save lives in case of emergency. She also said there was no need for people to feel scared after the accident on Wednesday (December 18).
“Such tragedies do not happen every day. Although several traffic accidents occur every day, we do not avoid traveling by road,” Ms Dalvi added.
Suyesh Sharma, a tourist from Chhattisgarh, came to the Gateway of India for a boat trip as he had time before taking an evening flight back. Unless people know how to use them.
“Life jackets are only effective if you know how to use them. The authorities should also tell people how to use them in emergencies,” said Mr. Sharma, who regularly engages in adventure sports such as rafting.
Boat owners at Bhaucha Dhakka, a jetty off Mumbai’s Dockyard Road, said they insist people wear life jackets but many times passengers are reluctant, even though life jackets have been proven to save lives in emergencies. Ferries depart from Bhaucha Dhakka to cross-harbour locations such as Uran and Revas in neighboring Raigad district.
Boat owner Sameer Bamane said some passengers were reluctant to wear life jackets on the grounds that they would feel uncomfortable due to overheating and sweating in humid conditions.
“Tourists here are reluctant to wear life jackets, but the same people use life jackets without complaint when they go to other countries like Singapore or Malaysia. Because the authorities there do not allow boats to move even if there is only one person. There are no life jackets,” he said .
Published – December 19, 2024, 3:36 pm (IST)