A day after a ferry and Navy vessel collision claimed 13 lives near the Mumbai coast, authorities announced on Thursday that wearing life jackets would now be mandatory for all boat passengers departing from the Gateway of India.
Some tourists argued that life jackets would only be effective if passengers were taught how to use them. They emphasized the need for authorities to provide instructions on using life jackets during emergencies.
Survivors of Wednesday’s accident reported that the ferry lacked an adequate number of life jackets.
Thirteen people, including a Navy officer and two contracted naval employees, lost their lives, while nearly 100 were rescued after the Navy vessel conducting engine trials collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal on Wednesday afternoon.
The ferry, carrying over 100 passengers, was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.
Devidas Jadhav, an assistant boat inspector stationed at the Gateway of India, told PTI that life jackets are now mandatory for passengers traveling by ferry to destinations like Mandva near Alibaug, Elephanta Island, or during short rides around Mumbai harbor.
Sangeeta Dalvi, traveling to Mandva with her husband, stressed the importance of life jackets, stating they could save lives in emergencies. She added there was no reason to panic following Wednesday’s incident.
“Tragedies like this are rare. We don’t stop using roads despite the frequent accidents,” Dalvi remarked.
Suresh Sharma, a tourist from Chhattisgarh waiting for a boat ride before his evening flight, pointed out that life jackets are only useful if people know how to operate them. He urged authorities to educate passengers on proper usage.
“Life jackets are helpful, but only if you know how to use them. Authorities should guide during emergencies,” said Sharma, an adventure sports enthusiast.
Boat operators at Bhaucha Dhakka, a wharf near Dockyard Road, said they encourage passengers to wear life jackets, though many refuse, citing discomfort in humid conditions.
Sameer Bamane, a boat owner, explained that passengers often resist wearing life jackets due to the heat and sweat they cause.
“Tourists here avoid life jackets but willingly wear them in places like Singapore or Malaysia, where boats don’t operate unless everyone is wearing one,” Bamane said.