Mahendra Singh Shekhawat, a Petty Officer in MARCOS (Marine Commandos) from Junasiya village in Renwal, displayed extraordinary courage yesterday at Elephanta near the Gateway of India. While rescuing people and saving a boat, he made the ultimate sacrifice. Heartfelt tributes to the immortal martyr.
In a tragic incident near Butcher Island, off the coast of Mumbai, a Navy boat collided with the passenger vessel ‘Neelkamal’ at approximately 3:55 PM on December 17, 2024. As of 7:30 PM, 101 people have been rescued safely, while 13 fatalities have been confirmed, including 10 civilians and 3 Navy personnel.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
The rescue operation, involving 11 craft and 4 helicopters, was jointly conducted by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and Mumbai Police. Two critically injured individuals are receiving treatment at the Navy hospital. Authorities have announced that the final count of missing persons will be available by tomorrow morning, as rescue efforts continue to ensure no one is left unaccounted for.
Support for Bereaved Families
The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs. 5 lakhs for the families of the deceased. The government and armed forces have extended their condolences to the bereaved families, acknowledging the sacrifice of MS Shekhawat and other Navy personnel who lost their lives.
Investigation Underway
The incident is currently under investigation by both the police and the Navy to ascertain the cause of the collision and to prevent such occurrences in the future. This unfortunate event highlights the critical need for safety measures and thorough reviews of maritime operations.
Nation Mourns the Loss
The entire nation mourns the loss of these brave souls. Petty Officer MS Shekhawat’s courage and dedication to duty will be remembered as an inspiration to all. His selfless act of heroism has immortalized him in the hearts of millions.
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