Quick thinking and bravery of the boat pilot save lives as delay in rescue response sparks questions
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – A routine journey from Mumbai’s iconic Gateway of India to Elephanta Island turned into a tragedy last week when a boat capsized, leaving passengers in a life-threatening situation. Amidst the chaos, Muhammad Arif, a boat pilot, emerged as a saviour, rescuing 35 passengers before the arrival of the professional rescue teams.
The accident on Wednesday (December 18), which claimed 13 lives, including three Navy personnel, could have had an even higher death toll if not for Arif’s heroic actions. Over 100 passengers were eventually saved, but questions loom over the delayed response of the rescue teams.
Arif, who was navigating the deep sea when the incident occurred, received information about the sinking boat near docking points JD 4 and JD 5. Despite being 18 minutes away, he reached the accident site in just nine minutes, pushing his boat to its limits.
“The scene was terrifying. People were screaming for help, and some were already in the water struggling to stay afloat,” Arif recounted. His boat was equipped with life jackets, which he distributed while carefully pulling passengers to safety.
Arif, with assistance from other boatmen, managed to bring 35 passengers aboard within half an hour. His calm demeanour and words of encouragement kept panic at bay. “I told them not to lose hope. Help was on its way, and they just needed to hold on,” Arif shared.
The rescue teams took over 30 minutes to reach the scene, a delay that has raised questions about preparedness and coordination. By the time they arrived, local boatmen, including Arif, had already saved dozens of lives.
An eyewitness described the initial moments of the tragedy as chaotic. “If Arif hadn’t arrived so quickly, many more lives would have been lost. He acted with courage and urgency,” the witness said.
Despite the efforts of Arif and others, the incident left 13 families grieving. Among the deceased were three Navy personnel, whose service and sacrifice are being remembered with solemn respect.
One of the survivors expressed deep gratitude to Arif, saying, “I owe my life to him. In those moments, he was our only hope.”
The accident has prompted an inquiry into safety measures for tourist boats and the efficiency of rescue operations. Experts have called for stricter regulations and better monitoring of passenger boats in the busy waters around Mumbai.
For now, however, the focus remains on the lives saved and the bravery of individuals like Muhammad Arif. His selflessness in the face of danger serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person’s actions can have.
