A speeding Navy craft, undergoing engine trials, lost control and collided with passenger ferry `Neel Kamal` off near Mumbai coast on Wednesday. The ferry with more than 100 passengers was on its way from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Island, a popular tourist attraction which has a collection of ancient caves

Serpentine queues of revellers at the Gateway of India, waiting to board ferries on Sunday

According to the Maharashtra Maritime Board — which is conducting an investigation into the accident — has cancelled the licence of Neel Kamal as the ferry was overloaded, thereby violating the Inland Vessel Act. The ferry had a capacity of 90 persons but had more than 100 people on it

According to one of the survivors of the Elephanta boat tragedy, there was a shortage of life jackets in the ferry

After the mishap, the board introduced new regulations requiring all ferry passengers in the state to wear life jackets during their journey

A case has been registered against the Navy craft officer in Colaba Police Station. The Navy has also launched a probe into one of the deadliest crashes in the city`s harbour area

On Sunday, passengers on board ferries were seen wearing life jackets

Some tourists, however, said the life jackets would be of help only if people know how to use them. The authorities should instruct people how to use the life jackets in case of an emergency, they said

An assistant boat inspector deputed at the Gateway of India told  they have made the use of life jackets mandatory for every passenger taking the ferry boat to Mandva near Alibaug (in neighbouring Raigad), Elephanta Island or while going for a short ride of the Mumbai harbour

The crew were also seen wearing the jacket

Smaller boat operators also mandatorily have to provide passengers with life jackets

Meanwhile on Saturday, the police recovered the body of a seven-year-old boy, who went missing after the ferry boat capsized on Wednesday 

A naval helicopter and boats of the Navy and Coast Guard were deployed to look for the missing passengers. Of the 113 persons on board both the vessels, 14 died and 98, including two injured, were rescued

The Tourist Guides Association of Mumbai (TOGA) has been raising concerns about the hazardous conditions of civilian ferry services operating between the Gateway of India and Elephanta Island 

Despite these warnings, the authorities have failed to address issues, including overcrowding on boats and the lack of life jackets for passengers