On Thursday night, 38 individuals, including 34 passengers, were rescued following a ferry malfunction off the coast of Mumbai’s Gateway of India. This significant incident took place at approximately 8.30 pm when the ferry named ‘Anwari’, which typically operates half-hour excursions, experienced an engine failure while returning to the harbour.

The breakdown occurred about 1.5 nautical miles from the shoreline, causing concern for both the passengers and crew aboard. The ferry was carrying four crew members in addition to the 34 passengers, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

Upon receiving an alert from the police control room, local law enforcement, led by Constable Abhijit Shinde, undertook an assessment of nearby vessels capable of providing assistance. Their investigation led them to identify another excursion boat, ‘Azad Hind’, which was reportedly in the vicinity of the distressed ferry.

Efforts by Local Authorities and Boat Operators

The officers promptly contacted Junaid Mulla, the owner of ‘Azad Hind’, seeking his collaboration in the rescue operation. A swift response resulted in the ‘Azad Hind’ reaching the site of the incident shortly thereafter. The crew of ‘Azad Hind’ began the operation to tow the stranded ferry to safety.

The successful rescue effort culminated around 9.30 pm when ‘Anwari’ was towed back to Jetty No. 2 at the Gateway of India. Throughout the tow, all individuals aboard the ferry remained safe, with no reported injuries among the passengers or crew members.

This quick action taken by local police and the boat operators showcases the effective mobilization of resources during emergencies at sea, ensuring passenger safety was prioritized during the incident.

Aftermath and Passenger Accounts

Following the successful landing of the ferry, passengers were reportedly relieved and grateful for the timely rescue. Authorities ensured that all individuals received proper assistance upon their return to shore. No injuries were noted, providing reassurance to those affected by the incident.

In light of this incident, local maritime authorities may review safety protocols for ferry operations, particularly those implementing excursions around the iconic Gateway of India. Ensuring adequate safety measures remains a critical priority to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The rapid response by the police and the coordination with local boat operators underscored the importance of community collaboration in handling maritime emergencies. As the investigation into the cause of the engine malfunction continues, attention will need to be given to further preventive measures to safeguard passenger experiences on such excursions.

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