Mumbai: At least 13 people lost their lives when a boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized off the coast of Mumbai, India’s financial hub, following a collision with an Indian Navy vessel on Wednesday, authorities reported. The Navy confirmed that 99 people were rescued, with search operations continuing for the others.

According to a statement from the Navy, an engine failure caused one of its boats to lose control during engine trials in Mumbai Harbour. This led to a collision with the passenger ferry, which then overturned.

Local news footage showed a smaller boat, believed to be a speedboat, colliding with the larger ferry, triggering the tragic accident.

One survivor recounted the ordeal to ABP Majha news, describing how the speedboat slammed into their vessel, flooding it and causing it to capsize. "The driver told us to put on lifejackets," the passenger said. "I swam for about fifteen minutes before another boat pulled me to safety."

The ferry, a privately owned vessel named Neelkamal, was en route to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, when the tragedy struck. These ancient caves, which date back to the 5th and 6th centuries, are located just off Mumbai’s coast and draw tourists year-round. The site is typically accessed by boats departing from the Gateway of India, located in the southern part of the city.