Rescuing those stranded at sea a first for Yellow Gate

Last Thursday, for the first time, the Yellow Gate police rescued people from a boat stranded in the sea off the Gateway of India.

Last Thursday, for the first time, the Yellow Gate police rescued people from a boat stranded in the sea off the Gateway of India.

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The ferry was returning from Elephanta Caves carrying 125 persons when its engine failed. "There's been no such case in the recent past," said Nisar Tamboli, Mumbai police spokesperson. "No case was registered as it was due to a technical snag."

Ferry service officials called the tourist counter several times, but there was no response. As the vessel started drifting in the sea, people started to panic, when a passenger thought to call the police control room, which alerted the Yellow Gate police station. The police then launched a rescue operation.

The police said all boats should have life jackets, hooters and helpline numbers. "If tourists notice there is no basic equipment, they should report it to the customer grievance cell," Tamboli said. Tourists stuck in a similar situation should call the police on 100. The passengers spent two hours mid-sea before they were rescued.