Mumbai faced a tragic ferry collision near the Gateway of India on December 18, which claimed 13 lives. Amid the chaos, Arif Bamne, a boat operator, emerged as a hero by saving 35 passengers from the sinking vessel.
The accident site was described as chaotic and heartrending by several boat operators who were among the first responders. Arif Bamne, the driver of the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) pilot boat Purva, recounted the experience: “When we arrived, people were screaming and crying for help. We prioritised rescuing women and children.”
Bamne and his team were on their way from Jawahardeep to Mumbai when they received an urgent alert about the collision. Directed to reach the location near JD5 immediately, they responded without hesitation.
“Although there were only four people on my boat, we worked tirelessly to rescue as many stranded passengers as possible before additional boats arrived,” Bamne explained. His team managed to save about 35 passengers, who were later transferred to Navy boats for further assistance, as reported by News9.
With 18 years of boating experience, Bamne described this incident as the most significant rescue operation of his career. “I’ve witnessed smaller rescue efforts before, but this was the most tragic and challenging,” he shared.
Among those he rescued was a young girl who had lost consciousness due to water in her lungs. “We applied pressure to her chest to restore her breathing. Gradually, she regained consciousness and started breathing normally,” Bamne recalled.
The rescue team also encountered several foreign tourists among the passengers. Despite the overwhelming situation, Bamne and his crew focused on saving lives, with women and children taking priority. Their swift action and dedication saved 35 human lives, making Bamne a true unsung hero.
