Brahmagiri: At least 20 passengers had a horrifying experience after the ferryboat carrying them got stuck in Chilika Lake here due to extreme foggy condition Friday.
The incident took place early in the morning when the boat with 20 passengers and a few motorcycles started its journey for Janhikuda from Satpada boat yard.
After sailing a few kilometres, the helmsman failed to detect the direction due to poor visibility caused by heavy fog and got struck in sludge. The boat got stranded for about 45 minutes triggering panic among the passengers.
Later, the boatman and some passengers struggled for some time and steered the boat into the main channel. Sources said the passengers had gone to visit the annual Chilika Mahotsav which is currently underway at Satpada and were returning to their respective destinations when the incident took place.
PNN
