Mumbai, Sep 4: A ferry carrying 34 passengers and four crew members broke down in the Arabian Sea near Mumbai iconic Gateway of India on Thursday evening, prompting a swift rescue operation by the authorities and another ferry operator.

The incident involved the Anwari ferry, which operates short sea rides from the Gateway of India.

According to the information available, the ferry developed a technical problem at around 8.30 p.m. while it was returning towards the Gateway of India.

The vessel, which had 38 people on board, reportedly stopped functioning approximately 1.5 nautical miles from the Gateway of India. The passengers and crew were left stranded at sea following the technical failure.

After receiving information about the incident through the control room, Mumbai Police immediately assessed the situation and coordinated with nearby ferry operators to ensure the safe return of everyone on board.

Another ferry was sent to the location and reached the stranded vessel. The rescue boat subsequently towed the Anwari ferry back towards the Gateway of India jetty.

All 34 passengers and four crew members were safely brought back to the jetty. No injuries or other untoward incidents were reported in connection with the breakdown.

The prompt coordination between the police, the nearby ferry operator and the crew helped ensure that the passengers were brought back to shore safely and without further incident.

The incident comes amid regular ferry and tourist boat operations in the waters off Mumbai, particularly around the Gateway of India, which attracts a large number of visitors taking short sea rides.

Authorities are expected to ascertain the exact nature of the technical problem that caused the ferry to stop functioning. The incident, however, ended without any casualties, with all 38 people safely returning to the Gateway of India.

MUMBAI: A tragic incident unfolded in South Mumbai early Friday morning after a 19-year-old daily wage laborer allegedly murdered his 19-year-old wife before ending his own life near Kalapani Chowki in Agripada.

According to the Agripada Police, the incident occurred at around 5:00 AM. The accused, identified as Mohd. Ehsan Sheikh (19), got into an altercation with his wife, Jannat Ehsan Sheikh (19), following an ongoing domestic dispute. In a fit of rage, Sheikh slit Jannat’s throat with a kitchen knife, killing her on the spot.

Immediately after the assault, Sheikh turned the same weapon on himself and slit his own throat.
Local residents alerted the police, and Sheikh was rushed in critical condition to the nearby BYL Nair Hospital.

However, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
The Agripada Police have initiated legal proceedings in connection with the double tragedy. A case of murder is being registered against Mohd. Ehsan Sheikh, while an Accidental Death Report (ADR) is being filed regarding his death. Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the dispute is currently underway.

In order to provide medical facilities to the people in Mumbai Govandi area, MLA Abu Asim Azmi met the Chief Secretary here in the backdrop of facilities and drew his attention towards the necessary facilities. The hospital is facing shortage of doctors, medical staff and key personnel required for emergency services. Pregnant women are also unable to access proper medical care. Moreover, despite the availability of machines and chairs in the dental department, there is a shortage of doctors and staff. Azmi demanded immediate restoration of essential services including the non-functional X-ray machine in Shatabdi Hospital. After reviewing the situation in both the hospitals, Rajesh Agarwal gave a positive assurance that immediate action would be taken. Azmi said that our aim is to ensure that the people of Govandi get better and timely health services.