Boat on security detail springs a leak

OFF DUTY: Bandobast duty along the city's coast ended after the Obamas left the city

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: A police patrol boat that was brought in from Ratnagiri to be a part of the security detail during US President Barack Obama’s stay in the city met with an accident near the lighthouse at Colaba, on Sunday night. The boat, S a g a r S h a k t i, was returning to Ratnagiri after the threeday bandobast when the accident took place. No one on board the vessel was injured, said police officials. The boat is currently being repaired at the Ghadiyal docks in Mumbai, after which it will return to Ratnagiri.

Qauiser Khalid, deputy commissioner of police (port zone) said the vessel had sprung a leak after the accident. “A hole was noticed in the bottom of the boat and water had started entering it,” he said, adding that the people on board included an officer, a commando team, the captain and an engine driver.

Two such boats were called in from Thane, two from Raigarh, one from Ratnagri and one from New Mumbai during the presidential visit.

According to officials, in addition, four teams of MARCOS (marine commandos) belonging to the Indian Navy, two speed boats and three trawlers were also patrolling the seas. “The trawlers were patrolling the waters near the Gateway of India, INS Shikra and the Navy training school,” said a source. In fact, during the bandobast several foreign ships had tried to enter the restricted area but were diverted to the Vessel Traffic Management Port. The police had also requested the Navy to deploy a helicopter for air surveillance. “The Navy personnel in the helicopter had photos of all the ships and boats belonging to the police, Navy and Coast Guard so it was easier for them to the vessels while on duty,” said an officer.

Sources said that 350 policemen from the port zone, a hundred Navy personnel and 50 f Coast Guard personnel were on duty at sea. “Policemen and coast guard officials were present at all the 54 landing points in and around the sea,” said the officer.

The Times of India, November 9, 2010