A ferry carrying 34 passengers and four crew members suffered an engine failure near Mumbai’s Gateway of India on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Police and a local boat operator towed the vessel ashore by 9:30 PM IST, rescuing all 38 people without injuries.

A routine sea excursion near Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India turned into a mid-sea emergency after a passenger ferry suffered an engine failure on Thursday night. Police personnel and a nearby local boat operator launched a coordinated rescue operation, ensuring that all 38 people aboard the stranded vessel returned safely to shore.

The ferry, identified as Anwari, was carrying 34 passengers and four crew members when its engine reportedly stopped working approximately 1.5 nautical miles from the Mumbai coastline. The vessel was returning to the Gateway of India after completing one of its regular half-hour sightseeing trips. No passenger or crew member was injured during the incident, and the disabled ferry was safely towed to Jetty No. 2 by approximately 9:30 PM IST.

The incident occurred at around 8:30 PM IST on Thursday as Anwari was returning from a sea excursion. The sudden engine failure left the vessel stranded in the waters off the Gateway of India with 38 people aboard.

The passengers were unable to return independently because the ferry had lost propulsion. Although the boat remained offshore, officials did not report any collision, flooding, fire or medical emergency aboard the vessel.

An alert about the stranded ferry was sent to the police control room. Constable Abhijit Shinde and other police personnel immediately began checking whether any operational boats were available near the location.

Their enquiries revealed that another excursion boat, Azad Hind, was sailing in the vicinity. Police contacted the boat’s owner, Junaid Mulla, and requested assistance in reaching the disabled ferry.

Responding to the request, Azad Hind travelled to the location of Anwari and began the towing operation. The nearby vessel helped prevent a prolonged wait at sea and allowed the passengers and crew to remain aboard their original ferry during the return journey.

The cooperation between police personnel and the private boat operator played a crucial role in completing the operation quickly. Anwari was attached to Azad Hind and carefully towed back towards the Gateway of India.

Officials monitored the operation until both vessels reached the shore. The stranded ferry arrived safely at Jetty No. 2 at around 9:30 PM, approximately one hour after the breakdown was reported.

All 34 passengers and four crew members disembarked safely. Authorities confirmed that nobody required medical treatment and no injuries were recorded during either the breakdown or towing operation.

The incident concluded without casualties because of the timely alert and the availability of another vessel nearby. The response demonstrated the importance of communication between police, ferry operators and boats operating along Mumbai’s busy coastal routes.

The Gateway of India is a major departure point for sightseeing ferries and passenger services travelling to destinations such as Elephanta Island. A mechanical failure in these waters can create concern, particularly during evening operations when visibility may be reduced.

While everyone aboard Anwari was rescued safely, the incident may renew attention on routine engine inspections, emergency communication systems and contingency arrangements for tourist vessels. Regular maintenance and access to rescue support are important for protecting passengers travelling on short coastal excursions.

Officials had not reported the precise technical cause of the engine failure. However, the swift towing operation ensured the emergency ended safely, with all passengers and crew members reaching the Gateway of India within an hour.