13 Dead in Mumbai Ship Collision During Navy Trials: Incident on 18 December 2024

On 18 December 2024, a fatal collision occurred off the coast of Mumbai, India, between an Indian Navy speedboat undergoing engine trials and the passenger ferry Neel Kamal. The naval craft lost control at approximately 4:00 p.m. local time, striking the ferry with significant force. The impact caused severe damage to the ferry, which subsequently sank. Thirteen lives were lost in the incident, including a naval officer, two equipment manufacturer representatives, and ten ferry passengers.

A large-scale rescue operation was immediately launched involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, marine police, and local fishermen. A total of 102 ferry passengers and 2 crew members from the naval vessel were rescued. Indian authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, with video footage captured by passengers assisting the inquiry.

Following the collision, emergency services mobilised rapidly across multiple agencies. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, marine police, and local fishermen coordinated rescue efforts in the waters off Mumbai. Despite the severity of the impact and the ferry's sinking, rescue teams successfully recovered 102 passengers from the ferry and 2 crew members from the naval speedboat. The rescue operation continued until all survivors were accounted for and transferred to safety.

Ferry passengers

• 102 onboard at the time of collision.

Ferry crew

• Number not specified in available reports.

Naval vessel crew

• 2 crew members onboard the speedboat.

Fatalities

• 13 confirmed deaths: 1 naval officer, 2 equipment manufacturer representatives, and 10 ferry passengers.

Injuries

• Not specified in available reports.

Rescued

• 102 ferry passengers and 2 naval crew members safely rescued.

Multiple Indian authorities responded immediately to the incident. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, marine police, and local fishermen coordinated a large-scale rescue operation in the waters off Mumbai. All survivors were located and transferred to safety. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance for the victims' families.

Indian authorities are investigating the cause of the collision. The naval speedboat was undergoing engine trials at the time of the incident. Video footage captured by ferry passengers is assisting investigators in determining the sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the loss of control of the naval vessel.

The passenger ferry Neel Kamal sank following the collision. The Indian Navy speedboat's operational status has not been detailed in available reports. Authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the accident.