Ship mania: Show some wisdom, Mumbai

The desire to touch MV Wisdom, the 175-metre long ship weighing around 9,000 tonnes stranded at Juhu beach since last week, nearly claimed the lives of two teenagers on Sunday. Amid hordes of onlookers who came to catch a glimpse of the merchant vessel were two teenagers aged 16 and 17.

As their curiosity got the better of them, the duo dived into the water and swam toward the ship. But they struggled in the choppy water and began drowning. BMC lifeguards deployed at the shore then rescued the boys. One of the boys had to be admitted to hospital. He is reported to be out of danger.

As efforts to salvage Wisdom have been suspended for the time being, the ship will remain off the Juhu coast for over a fortnight — till there is a high tide. Officials have issued an advisory for people keen on touching the ship.

“People should not go near the ship as it could be dangerous. Though the ship does not have any fuel or cargo which could result in a pollution threat, it could lead to untoward incidents like the one that happened on Sunday,” an Indian Coast Guard official said.

Meanwhile, stall owners at Juhu beach are enjoying roaring business thanks to the huge crowd. “Our business has shot up by almost four times this weekend,” said a stall owner.