MUMBAI: A passenger boat 'Mustaqueen' that ferried people between Elephanta and ferry wharf/gateway sank off the Ballard pier coast on Saturday morning. Fortunately there were no casualties as only a few people, mostly crew, aboard were saved by the boat nearby.
According to Mumbai Port Authority (MPA) officials, the incident occurred around 11am on Saturday when the 100-passenger capacity boat was cruising almost empty towards ferry wharf.
Sources said there were three crew members aboard. While two of them were saved by the boat cruising nearby as they jumped out with the help of a rope, the master of the ship dived at the end to save himself.
Officials said the boat had developed a hole at the bottom and the water was gushing inside so fast that even the rescue team with the fire brigade could not get enough time to pump it out and save it from sinking.
Sources said they will take the sunken boat out soon as it may create hurdle for the ships passing by.
