Mumbai: A tense situation unfolded off the Gateway of India on Thursday evening after a ferry carrying 38 people developed a technical problem in the Arabian Sea. Quick coordination between the Mumbai Police and another ferry helped bring everyone safely back to shore, with no injuries reported.
The incident took place at around 8:30 pm, when the ferry Anwari was returning to the Gateway of India after a short sea excursion.
Ferry Develops Technical Problem Mid-Sea
According to officials, the Anwari ferry had taken passengers on a roughly 30-minute sea ride from the Gateway of India. While returning towards the jetty, the vessel suddenly stopped functioning.
At the time, there were 34 passengers and four crew members on board.
The ferry was approximately 1.5 nautical miles from the Gateway of India when the technical snag occurred, leaving the vessel stranded in the Arabian Sea.
The situation was immediately reported to the police control room.
Mumbai Police Coordinate Rescue
After receiving the alert, police personnel from Beat No. 1 began looking for another vessel in the area that could assist the stranded ferry.
Constable Abhijit Shinde and Police Naik Gurav were involved in the rescue coordination. Police soon learned that another excursion ferry, Azad Hind, was operating nearby.
The officers contacted its owner, Junaid Mulla, and requested assistance. The Azad Hind was subsequently directed towards the stranded Anwari.
Azad Hind Tows Stranded Ferry Back
The rescue operation was completed without incident after the Azad Hind reached the disabled vessel.
The rescue ferry successfully towed the Anwari back towards the Gateway of India, allowing all passengers and crew to return safely.
The stranded ferry reached Gateway of India Jetty No. 2 at around 9:10 pm, approximately 40 minutes after it developed the technical problem.
Other reports put the arrival at around 9:30 pm, but officials consistently confirmed that everyone on board was brought safely ashore.
All 38 People Safe
The most important update from the incident was that all 34 passengers and four crew members were safe.
Police confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The quick response prevented what could have become a more serious situation, particularly as the ferry had stopped operating while still some distance from the shore.
Incident Highlights Importance of Quick Rescue Response
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of quick communication and coordination during ferry operations around Mumbai’s coastline.
The Gateway of India is a major departure point for ferries and recreational boat services carrying visitors into the Arabian Sea. Any mechanical failure during an excursion can potentially put passengers at risk, making nearby rescue support and coordination with authorities crucial.
In this case, the presence of another ferry in the vicinity allowed the police to quickly arrange assistance.
No Major Disruption Reported
Despite the incident, there was no major disruption to the wider operations around the Gateway of India.
The Anwari was brought back to the jetty safely, while passengers were taken ashore.
Authorities are expected to examine the technical problem that caused the ferry to stop functioning before it resumes regular operations.
For the 38 people involved, however, the tense wait at sea ended safely thanks to the prompt intervention of the police and the crew of the nearby Azad Hind.
