Mumbai, 18 Dec (HS):- At least three people drowned

and eight others are missing, as a boat carrying more than 80 people capsized near

Gateway of India, Mumbai. The Elephanta Caves bound boat was hit by a Navy boat.

Navy and Coastal Security Forces rescued 66 people and the rescue operations

were in progress.

The boat Neelkamal capsized about three kilometers

before Elaphanta Caves. The fishermen’s boats in the vicinity rushed to rescue

the drowning passengers. The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis informed the

Assembly that details of the accident will be collected. The rescue teams

reached the spot immediately and could save a maximum of people. The

accident-affected will be helped by the government.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that he held

telephonic talks with Navy and JNPT officials and Deputy Commissioner of Police

Sudhakar Pathare.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar