On December 18, 2024, at approximately 3:55 PM, a tragic accident occurred near the Mumbai Channel, close to the Gateway of India, when an Indian Navy vessel collided with the "Neelkamal" ferry, which was en route to Elephanta Caves from Gateway of India to the island of Gharapuri, Uran. The incident took place around 5 nautical miles from the Gateway of India at coordinates 18.921869 (latitude) and 72.866198 (longitude), within the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Port Trust. The Navy ship, which was conducting engine testing, lost control due to a malfunction in the steering system, which resulted in the crash with the ferry.

Following the collision, a massive rescue operation was launched involving the Coast Guard, Navy personnel, and Marine Police. The Navy deployed four helicopters, 11 ships, and one coast guard vessel, while three marine police boats assisted in the search and rescue mission. Local emergency services were notified immediately, and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s disaster management unit responded by dispatching medical teams, with the injured being transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.