38 People Stranded at Sea: Ferry Breaks Down Near Mumbai’s Gateway

MUMBAI — A major maritime incident was averted off the Mumbai coast on Thursday night after a passenger ferry carrying 38 people suffered a sudden engine breakdown approximately 1.5 nautical miles from the Gateway of India.

The excursion vessel, named Anwari, was returning from a routine half-hour sea ride when it lost power at around 8:30 PM. The vessel was carrying 34 passengers and four crew members. Swift intervention by local police personnel and a neighboring excursion boat prevented panic, ensuring all occupants were towed back to Jetty No. 2 safely without any reported injuries.

Coordinated Rescue and Towing Operation

Following an emergency alert transmitted through the police control room, Beat No. 1 officers—including Constable Abhijit Shinde and Police Naik Gurav—immediately initiated a marine coordination protocol. Realizing the vessel was stranded in the dark without propulsion, the officers surveyed nearby waters for active craft.

Upon discovering that another excursion boat, Azad Hind, was operating in the vicinity, officers contacted owner Junaid Mulla to request immediate assistance. The Azad Hind was redirected to the stranded location, where it secured a towline to the disabled Anwari. The rescue operation concluded successfully when both vessels docked at Jetty No. 2 at approximately 9:10 PM, roughly forty minutes after the initial snag.

According to official police logs, harbor department statements, and local operator accounts:

• Stranded Vessel: The excursion ferry Anwari.

• Total Occupants: 38 people (34 passengers and 4 crew members).

• Location: 1.5 nautical miles off the Gateway of India in the Arabian Sea.

• Rescue Vessel: Local excursion boat Azad Hind, owned by Junaid Mulla.

• Casualties: None; all passengers and crew brought ashore safely.

Official Sources Section

• Mumbai Police Operational Disclosures: Control room incident logs, beat officer rescue reports, and marine coordination summaries.

• Press Trust of India (PTI) Reports: Syndicated news wire accounts detailing rescue timelines and official statements.

Quote Section

"According to officials, the prompt response from marine beat officers and local vessel operators ensured that all 34 passengers and four crew members were safely towed back to Jetty No. 2 without a single injury reported."

Why It Matters

For travelers and local authorities, maritime safety around high-traffic tourist hubs like the Gateway of India remains paramount. The swift resolution highlights the efficacy of informal communication channels between local police beats and private vessel operators during mid-sea emergencies, averting potential panic in coastal waters.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Incident Time: Thursday, approximately 8:30 PM.

• Resolution Time: 9:10 PM to 9:30 PM at Jetty No. 2.

• Primary Cause: Mid-sea technical and engine snag.

• Safety Status: 100% safe rescue with zero injuries.

FAQ Section

What caused the ferry to break down near the Gateway of India?

The vessel Anwari suffered an unexpected mid-sea technical snag and engine breakdown while returning from a short evening excursion.

How many people were stranded on the disabled boat?

There were 38 people on board, comprising 34 passengers and 4 crew members.

Who rescued the stranded passengers?

Mumbai Police officers coordinated with local boat operator Junaid Mulla, whose vessel Azad Hind towed the stranded ferry back to shore.

Were there any injuries reported during the incident?

No, all 38 occupants reached the shore safely at Jetty No. 2 without any injuries.

Source: Mumbai Police, Press Trust of India, The Indian Express, India Today