The 2024 Mumbai boat accident refers to a mid-sea collision (in maritime terms, allision) on 18 December 2024, that killed 15 people when an Indian naval boat collided with a passenger ferry which then capsized off the coast of Mumbai, India.[1][2][3]
Collision
On 18 December 2024, around 04:00 pm (local time), Neel Kamal, a privately-owned passenger ferry was headed towards the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site on Elephanta Island, from the Gateway of India in Mumbai, India.[4] An Indian Navy craft with six persons on board was undergoing engine trials when it lost control and collided with the passenger ferry.[5] At least 13 people were killed including three navy personnel, while two more were missing.[6]
The ferry was permitted to carry up to 90 people, including six crew members and 84 passengers. However, at the time of the collision, the ferry was overcrowded, carrying over 110 passengers.[7]
On 19 December 2024, the body of a 43-year-old man was found close to the ferry taking the death toll to 14.[8]
On 21 December 2024, the body of a missing 7-year-old child was found within Mumbai harbour, increasing the death toll to 15.[5]