How CISF commandos reassured panic-stricken parents ready to throw kids into sea; rescued dozens as Mumbai ferry sank

The incident occurred on December 18, when the ferry Neel Kamal collided with a Navy boat en route to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India. Fourteen lives were lost, but quick action by CISF personnel saved many more.

Savant, stationed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Navi Mumbai, recalled how their patrol boat reached the scene within minutes of receiving the distress call, news agency PTI reported.

"I was astonished by the sight but knew we had to act immediately," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Witnessing terrified parents trying to save their children, he urged them to stay calm, saying, "Do not panic. We will rescue everyone."

He and his team prioritised saving children, rescuing six to seven initially, followed by women and men.

"There were raised hands everywhere—some pleading, some silent. We managed to save around 50-60 people," Savant added, the report said.

Sub Inspector (SI) Kheioka Sema, who arrived in a second patrol boat, described saving a woman whose raised hands risked loosening her life jacket.

"We gently asked her to lower her hands to prevent the jacket from slipping," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

Both officers administered CPR to several victims, reviving many who had swallowed water.

A foreign couple onboard the ferry also assisted, providing CPR to several passengers.

CISF spokesperson DIG Deepak Verma praised the professionalism of the marine-trained personnel, who are skilled in combat and survival techniques.

"We are proud of their efforts. Their swift action saved numerous lives despite the accident occurring outside their jurisdiction," he said, reported PTI.

The CISF plans to recommend the rescuers for the Jeevan Raksha Padak and grant them top honours in their service records.