38 Safely Rescued as Ferry Develops Engine Failure Near Gateway of India

Thirty-eight people, including 34 passengers and four crew members, were safely rescued after a ferry suffered an engine breakdown in the Arabian Sea off Mumbai’s Gateway of India on Thursday night, officials said.

The incident occurred at around 8.30 pm when the ferry Anwari, which operates half-hour sea excursions, was returning towards the Gateway of India. The vessel developed an engine problem approximately 1.5 nautical miles from the coast, leaving it stranded at sea with 38 people on board.

After receiving an alert from the police control room, Constable Abhijit Shinde and other police personnel began efforts to arrange assistance for the stranded ferry. The officers made inquiries about other boats operating in the vicinity to determine whether immediate help could be provided.

During the search, police learned that another excursion vessel, Azad Hind, was operating close to the disabled ferry. The officers contacted its owner, Junaid Mulla, and requested assistance in reaching Anwari.

The Azad Hind subsequently reached the stranded ferry and began the rescue operation. It towed Anwari safely back towards the Gateway of India, with the disabled vessel being brought to Jetty No. 2 at around 9.30 pm.

All 34 passengers and four crew members were safely brought ashore following the operation. Officials said no injuries were reported in the incident.

The prompt response by the police and the nearby boat operator helped ensure that the passengers were brought back to shore without further complications. The incident also highlighted the importance of quick coordination between authorities and vessels operating in the busy waters off Mumbai.

No further details about the cause of the ferry’s engine failure were immediately available.