13 dead after naval speedboat hits ferry off Mumbai

Published

4 months ago

December 19, 2024

editor

At least 13 people have died after an Indian naval speedboat lost control and hit a passenger ferry off the coast of Mumbai, a navy spokesperson said.

Three navy personnel are among the dead, while more than 100 people have been rescued, Maharashtra state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Footage of the incident posted online shows the speedboat circling before smashing into the ferry, which later capsized.

The Indian navy said there had been an “engine malfunction”.

The privately owned ferry was making its way to the Elephanta Caves, a popular tourist destination, when it was hit by the speedboat.

“A Navy craft undergoing engine trials lost control and collided with a passenger ferry,” the navy said in a statement, adding that it regretted the “tragic loss” of life.

A passenger on board the vessel told ABP Majha news channel: “The speedboat crashed into our boat and water started entering our boat and it overturned. The driver asked us to wear lifejackets.”

“I swam for 15 minutes before I was rescued by another boat,” said the passenger, who did not identify himself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted: “The boat mishap in Mumbai is saddening. Condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured recover soon.”

(BBC News)

CBSL presents Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 to President

Published

1 hour ago

April 29, 2025

editor

The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) – Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, officially handed over the Financial Statements and Operations Report 2024 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the Presidential Secretariat today (April 29).

A copy of the report was also presented to Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Several senior officials from the Central Bank were present at the occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

News

30 injured in a bus accident in Beliatta

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

editor

30 persons have been injured in a head-on collision between a private bus and a SLTB bus near the Hettiarachchi bend in the Beliatta police division today (April 29).

Police said that the injured have been admitted to the Tangalle and Beliatta hospitals.

Further investigations are underway.

News

Millions lost due to Kompanna Veediya flyover construction delay

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2025

editor

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake yesterday (April 28) visited construction site of the flyover being built from Baladaksha Mawatha near the Kompanna Veediya Police Station to Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, in Colombo, to inquire about the cause of its delay.

He pointed out that the government has been compelled to pay over Rs.400 million to contractors as delay charges and a significant daily loss of Rs. 500,000 is being incurred.

The flyover has been planned to be built from Baladaksha Mawatha near the Slave Island Police Station to Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, in Colombo.

Accordingly, 06 police residential quarters had to be removed, and as a result, the project was delayed for about 02 years.

According to the Transport Ministry, it was informed during the inspection tour that steps will be taken to promptly remove the police residential quarters, which have caused the delay.

Stating that the matter must be resolved immediately, the minister has instructed the relevant officials to ensure that the construction of the flyover is completed by the end of this year under any circumstances.