The tragic ferry accident near Mumbai that claimed 13 lives has left families shattered and friends mourning their loved ones. Among the victims was 42-year-old Deepchand Waghchoure, the sole breadwinner of his family, who left behind a grieving wife and two children.
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A Night of Frantic Searches
The incident occurred Wednesday evening when a ferry en route to Elephanta Caves collided with an Indian Navy speedboat during engine trials. Waghchoure’s friends received a call around midnight informing them that he was missing. They immediately began searching, making calls and visiting multiple locations before identifying his body at J J Hospital in the early hours of Thursday.
Devanand Kharat, a childhood friend, described the heart-wrenching moment they found his body. “We were shattered. His family and all of us are still in disbelief,” he said.
A Sole Breadwinner and a Helping Hand
Waghchoure, a plumber and part-time real estate agent, was known as a kind-hearted individual who always helped others. Originally from Nashik, he had been living in Govandi, Mumbai, with his family. His wife, 17-year-old daughter, and 14-year-old son now face an uncertain future without their primary provider.
“He was the only earning member. We don’t know how his family will sustain themselves now,” Kharat lamented.
Loss Beyond Life
The tragedy also stripped Waghchoure’s family of material belongings, including nearly 20 tolas of gold he always wore. Friends are working with authorities to recover the lost valuables, but the family’s emotional and financial loss remains immeasurable.
The Broader Tragedy
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) released the names of the other victims, including minors and families. Among them were Nidhi Ahire (8), Rakesh Ahire (34), and Harshada Ahire (31), highlighting the widespread grief caused by the accident.
The collision raises questions about safety protocols and the accountability of the parties involved. For Waghchoure’s family and friends, however, the focus remains on coping with the loss of a man remembered as “genuine” and “selfless.”
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for stringent safety measures in public transport services.