Mumbai Ferry Tragedy: CISF Heroes Prevent Panic, Rescue Dozens in High-Seas Drama
On December 18, a devastating incident occurred off the Mumbai coast. A tourist ferry named Neel Kamal began to sink after colliding with an Indian Navy boat. Panic and fear spread among the passengers as the ferry struggled to stay afloat. In the midst of this chaos, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) marine commandos stepped in and played a crucial role in saving lives.
The Incident
The ferry was traveling from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island when the tragic accident happened. The collision resulted in 14 fatalities. However, the quick actions of the CISF personnel ensured that dozens of other passengers, including children, were rescued from the sinking vessel.
Panic and Fear on the Ferry
CISF Constable Amol Savant, 36, shared his experience when he reached the site of the accident. He described the scene as chaotic. Parents were terrified and considered throwing their children into the sea. They believed this might be a safer choice than staying aboard the sinking ferry. “We saw people ready to throw their children into the water, thinking they would be safer than staying aboard the sinking ship,” said Savant.
The CISF team received the distress call during a routine patrol near the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Navi Mumbai. Savant and his two colleagues responded quickly. “I asked the pilot to go full throttle. We reached the site about 3–4 kilometers away in no time,” he recalled. Despite the initial shock at the scale of the disaster, the team acted swiftly. Their priority was to rescue the children first.
Heroes on the Scene
Upon arrival, the CISF team immediately focused on calming the frightened passengers. They reassured everyone that help had arrived. “We rescued about six to seven children first. After that, we focused on women and men,” Savant stated. In total, the team was able to save around 50 to 60 people from the ferry, bringing them aboard their patrol boat.
Another CISF officer, Sub-Inspector Kheioka Sema, 38, arrived on a second patrol boat. He shared a story about rescuing a woman who was in the water. “She was wearing a life jacket but had her hands raised in panic. We gently asked her to lower her hands to prevent the jacket from slipping off,” he explained.
Life-Saving Actions
Not only did the CISF personnel assist in the rescues, but they also provided medical aid. Sema and other rescuers performed CPR on about 10 to 12 victims. They managed to revive several individuals who had ingested large amounts of water. A foreign couple on the ferry even joined in the rescue efforts. They helped with CPR and provided comfort to the survivors.
The CISF team conducted a thorough search over a radius of 300 meters. They retrieved additional survivors, life jackets, and personal belongings that had fallen into the water. Their teamwork and dedication were invaluable during this crisis.
Preparedness and Training
The CISF marine commandos involved in the rescue operation had undergone specialized training in marine rescue and survival tactics. This training took place at Chilika Lake in Odisha. “Their professionalism and commitment were exemplary,” stated CISF spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Deepak Verma. This preparation played a significant role in their ability to respond effectively in such a dire situation.
National Recognition
The bravery and quick thinking displayed by the CISF marine commandos have received widespread praise. Their timely intervention not only saved lives but also prevented the chaotic situation from worsening. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with maritime travel, as well as the importance of having well-trained emergency responders available.
For the survivors of the Neel Kamal, the actions of the CISF will always be remembered. Their courageous efforts offered hope during some of the darkest moments. Their commitment to saving lives truly exemplifies the spirit of service and heroism.