Mumbai, Dec 19: Following the tragic ferry-Navy vessel collision that claimed 13 lives near the Mumbai coast, officials mandated life jackets for all passengers embarking on boat rides from the Gateway of India on Thursday.
Some tourists expressed concerns, stating that merely providing life jackets isn’t enough unless individuals are trained on how to use them effectively in emergencies.
Survivors from Wednesday’s incident noted a shortage of life jackets on the ferry.
The collision on Wednesday afternoon resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including a Navy personnel and two contract workers, while nearly 100 others were rescued after the Navy vessel conducting engine trials collided with the passenger ferry ‘Neel Kamal’.
At the time of the incident, the ferry was transporting over 100 passengers from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Devidas Jadhav, an assistant boat inspector stationed at the Gateway of India, stated to PTI that they have now enforced the mandatory use of life jackets for every passenger traveling to Mandva near Alibaug (in the adjoining Raigad district), Elephanta Island, or during short trips within the Mumbai harbour.
Sangeeta Dalvi, who traveled to Mandva with her husband for business, remarked that life jackets are essential as they can help save lives in emergencies.
She also reassured onlookers that there is no need for fear after the incident, stating, “Tragedies like this aren’t an everyday occurrence. We don’t refrain from using roads despite the frequent accidents.”
Suyesh Sharma, a tourist from Chhattisgarh visiting the Gateway of India before his evening flight, highlighted that life jackets serve little purpose in the high seas unless users are familiar with using them.
“Life jackets are only beneficial if you know how to use them. Authorities should provide guidance on their use during emergencies,” Sharma added, noting his experience with adventure sports like river rafting.
Boat owners at Bhaucha Dhakka (a wharf near Dockyard Road) mentioned that while they require passengers to wear life jackets, many are reluctant due to discomfort caused by heat and humidity.
Boat owner Sameer Bamane pointed out that tourists often resist wearing life jackets here, yet readily comply with the same precautions in countries like Singapore or Malaysia, where boat operators strictly enforce life jacket rules, not allowing vessels to depart without every passenger properly equipped.
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