Mumbai, Dec 24 (Reporter) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray honoured Arif Bamne, who risked his own life to save 35 passengers onboard ferry 'Neelkamal', which capsized near Gateway of India claiming 15 lives, while 100 passengers were successfully rescued. Bamne was honoured on Monday at the Shiv Sena chief's residence 'Matoshri' in suburban Bandra in presence of party leaders including MP Arvind Sawant, MLAs Milind Narvekar, Manoj Jamsutkar and others. During the ceremony, Thackeray praised Arif's presence of mind, courage, and bravery. The incident occurred when an Indian Navy speedboat undergoing sea trials collided with the Neelkamal boat, travelling to Elephanta Island from Gateway of India, in which both vessels sank. Arif Bamne, who works as a boatmaster on the Purva boat, emerged as a guardian angel during the crisis. When the accident occurred, his boat was nearby. Without any hesitation, Bamne jumped into the sea and, along with his colleagues, managed to save at least 35 passengers. Using a pilot boat for support, they safely transferred the rescued passengers to the Vasudev ferry. In one particularly notable rescue, Bamne saved an unconscious three-and-a-half-year-old child. For their acts of bravery, Bamne and his fellow crew members -- Kifayat Mulla, Tapas Kar, and Nandu Jana -- were felicitated by Uddhav Thackeray's party. They were presented with cash rewards in recognition of their courageous rescue efforts...////...