Missing Passenger in Mumbai Ferry Capsize: Family Doubts Drowning Despite Lifejacket

Mumbai, 19th December 2024: Hansaraam Bhati, 43, was one of the 115 passengers aboard the ferry that capsized off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday. He has been missing since, and while his family fears he drowned, they are struggling to accept this possibility.

Waiting outside Colaba police station near the Gateway of India, Bhati’s older brother, Jogaram, 60, said his brother was a strong swimmer. “His 14-year-old son, Tarun, who was with him on the boat, told us his father was wearing a lifejacket. It’s hard to believe he drowned,” Jogaram explained.

“We have no information about his whereabouts. The police, Coast Guard, and other authorities haven’t provided us with any updates. They say he probably drowned, but there’s been no evidence found,” added Jogaram, a medical store owner in Dahisar.

Bhati, from Tanaji Nagar in Malad (East), operated a small imitation jewellery business. He, along with his wife Santosh and son Tarun, was on the ferry with relatives Pravin Rathod, 32, and Neeta Rathod, 28, for a tour from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island.

The ferry capsized near Karanja, Mumbai, after being struck by a Navy speedboat undergoing engine trials. At least 13 people died, and 100 others were rescued, including Santosh, Tarun, and the Rathods.

Ranjeet Parmar, a close family friend, expressed disbelief at Bhati’s presumed fate. “He was an expert swimmer and had swum across rivers in his village. Four people without life jackets survived, but he, with a lifejacket, couldn’t? It’s very hard to believe,” Parmar said.

While Jogaram mentioned that Santosh was devastated by the incident, Parmar noted that Tarun was also in deep shock.

Jogaram held the Navy responsible for the accident. Although the exact cause remains unclear, police sources suggest a malfunctioning engine could be to blame.