The body of a seven-year-old boy, Johan Mohammad Nisar Ahmed Pathan, who had been missing since the tragic ferry-Navy craft collision off the Mumbai coast, was recovered on Saturday morning. His body was located after a three-day-long search operation, bringing the death toll in the December 18 tragedy to 15.

The Navy has launched an investigation into the crash, which is one of the deadliest accidents to occur in the city's harbor area. A naval helicopter, along with boats from the Navy and Coast Guard, had been deployed to search for the missing passengers.

Tragic Collision Details

Of the 113 people on board both vessels, 15 were confirmed dead, while 98 others, including two injured, were rescued. The Navy craft, which was undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with the passenger ferry Neel Kamal, which was en route from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, a popular tourist destination.

There were six people on board the Navy craft, and two survived the incident. The ferry, which was overloaded with passengers, had permission from the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) to carry 84 passengers and six crew members, but it exceeded that capacity.

Investigation and Legal Action

The MMB, which is investigating the accident, has canceled the ferry’s license for violating the Inland Vessel Act by exceeding its capacity. A police case has been filed against the driver of the Navy craft at the Colaba police station, and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) have been invoked, including those related to causing death by negligence and reckless navigation.

The affected Navy craft remains in the custody of the Navy, and the police will request it for further investigation as needed.