Sweet water

Hundreds of people flocked to a beach in the Indian city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) after reports the seawater had turned sweet.

Several people who drank the muddy water from the Arabian Sea said it had been changed by a miracle and could now cure illnesses.

Many saw it as a blessing from Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, a 13th Century Sufi saint.

"This water is definitely sweet. We see it as a blessing from Baba (Holy Saint)," said a man called Rafique.

Mumbai officials said the water could have taken on a sweet taste for several reasons, including an inflow of fresh water - or pollution.

Last year, Mumbai residents flocked to a local beach after reports diamonds were washing ashore. Police said it was fragments of their imagination.