On December 18, 2024, a tragic boat accident occurred off the coast of Mumbai when the passenger ferry ‘Neel Kamal’ collided with an Indian Navy speedboat during engine trials. According to police reports, the ferry, which was en route to the Elephanta Caves, was found to be overloaded, with more passengers than its capacity. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including Navy personnel and two contractual naval employees.
The crash caused the ferry to capsize, leading to a massive rescue operation. Authorities successfully rescued 98 passengers from the water, and ongoing efforts are being made to locate any remaining missing persons. The incident occurred on a busy route used by tourists traveling to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Indian Navy has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision, while the police are examining the ferry’s compliance with safety regulations and capacity limits.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia payment for the families of the victims. Authorities have also pledged to enhance maritime safety measures in the region to prevent such accidents in the future.
