Increasing number of yachts in the city pose higher security threat

Sources in the shipping department are concerned about the rising number of yachts in the city. From 129 private yachts in 2008, the number shot up to 143 in 2010

The number of dazzling custom-made yachts lining the Mumbai harbour may have established that the city has truly put the recession behind, but sources in shipping circles also pointed out that the increase in private yachts anchored off the Gateway of India could possibly pose a security threat to the city.


A view of yachts from the Mumbai harbour. Also seen is French yacht
Lady Luisa anchored off the Gateway of India FILE PIC

Sunday MiD DAY conducted a survey and found 47 vessels anchored off the Gateway of India. The police explained that a large number of yachts might have sailed out of the port area.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Port zone) Kaiser Khalid, the total number of yachts at the Mumbai harbour was at 129 in 2008, which went up to 136 in 2009 and then shot upto 143 in 2010. "Yachting culture has picked up among Mumbai residents. There was a sudden surge in the number of people interested in owning yachts last year. However, the high cost of owning such vessels has restricted many tentative buyers," added Khalid. Though the uber rich in the city are not averse to spending a minimum of Rs 2.5 crore on a yacht.
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Aashim Mongia, managing director of Westcoast Marine said, "The yachts are custom built according to order and the cost varies according to the customer's requirements. The yacht market has been seeing a number enquiries by celebrities in the recent past."

An official from Yacht Club requesting anonymity, said, "There is definitely a sizeable increase in the number of yacht owners compared to two years ago. Business is picking up and someu00a0 are using their vessels for commercial purposes. Many owners are from Mumbai, while some are from other cities."

Due to the increase in the number of private yachts, the police as well as the Mumbai Port Trust have begun monitoring sailing activity of all yachts along the coastline. While the police monitor activity upto a certain distance offshore, the Mumbai Port Trust controls all activity beyond that. Boats are registered by Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) and are licensed by the Mumbai Port Trust.

However, Senior Inspector Chandrakant Naik, attached to Yellow Gate police stated that every single yacht is registered and their activities monitored. He said that the security protocol followed while monitoring these vessels reduces the possibility of any enemy boat anchoring in the port area.