Latest Attraction in Bombay: MSC Chitra

Gateway of India entrepreneurs make a business out of the beached spill ship near the coast.

MUMBAI — The Gateway of India is becoming a place of ominous attractions. After the 26/11 terrorist attacks, hundreds submitted to the strange voyeuristic pull of the gutted Taj Mahal hotel. Now many are visiting the area to have a peek at MSC Chitra, which clashed with another ship and released an oil spill. 

On 7 August, MSC Chitra collided with MV Khalijia-II near Bombay Harbour. Khalijia limped into port. But Chitra was stranded in the waters, keeling at 75 degrees. On a clear day, it is visible from the Gateway of India, resting just beyond Sunk Rock, a small island which is also a naval base.

The collision has resulted in a mini business boost for Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, a telescope operator at the Gateway of India. For Rs 10, he shows you landmarks in the harbour. The big draw currently is MSC Chitra. 

 “I have been doing this for over 25 years,” he says. “The terrorist attacks have affected the number of foreign tourists. But locals come looking for the ship. Even policemen and BMC types are curious and drop by during lunch hour.” The telescope earns him around Rs 300 per day. 

Once you press your eye to the lens, Jaiswal begins a typical tourist guide’s narration: rehearsed and without full stops. There are mentions of the British and years long past. “Not bad for Rs 10,” says Alok Jain of Pune, even as his friend disturbs his telescope trance by pulling out Alok’s wallet from his back pocket. “I wanted to see the ship ever since I heard about the accident.”

Even mundane things connected with that incident generate curiosity. People take pictures of plastic cans and other flotsam washed ashore from MSC Chitra. Boat owners, including fishermen, also benefit. Mediapersons pay them up to Rs 15,000 to venture into the vicinity of the ship.

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