Kendrapara: A woman died and nine others were missing as a boat capsized in river Mahanadi in Kendrapara district Wednesday, official sources said. The incident took place when the mechanised boat carrying 10 persons of a picnic party capsized in the Mahanadi river Wednesday evening, Kendrapara Collector Dasarathy Satpathy said.
“One body has been recovered and nine others (are) missing. The fire brigade personnel and members of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have rushed to the spot for rescue operation,” Satpathy added.
The deceased was identified as Prabati Swaim, who along with the other victims– hailing from Kujang area in Jagatsinghpur district– were returning after a picnic at the Light House at Hukitola on the occasion of New Year. The official further said that the rescue operation may be affected due to darkness and intense cold in the area.
Those who were missing included women and children. They were ferrying from Hukitola to Paradip when the overcrowded boat capsized near Nipania village on Batighar river under Jamboo marine police station.
About 45 people of Hasina village under Mangarajpur GP of Kujanga block came to Hukitola for a picnic to celebrate New Year in a mechanised speed boat (locally called tappa).While they were returning on the boat, the boat driver allegedly went to answer the call of nature by anchoring the boat. Some passengers moved from one side of the boat to other side, resulting the boat tilted and capsized.
PNN
