Mahakalpada: Nine persons died while another went missing after a boat carrying 55 persons capsized in the Mahanadi river at Nipania village of Batighar panchayat under Mahakalpada block in Kendrapara district Wednesday.
The deceased persons include seven children and two women and their bodies were fished out.
A six-year-old girl is stated to be missing.
While the rescue operation was on till 3 am Thursday, the boatman Nirbhaya Swain (26) has been arrested by police.
All the deceased persons who were from 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, 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 following which the overcrowded boat tilted and capsized.
On receipt of information, locals rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Later, fire service, ODRAF and Coast Guard personnel reached the spot and took part in the rescue work under the supervision of Kendrapara Collector and Deputy Collector.
The bodies were sent to Chaumuhani near Paradip on a forest department boat and later the bodies would be sent for autopsy.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief and condoled the death of nine persons. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the bereaved families.
Besides, free treatment will be given to injured persons.
Union Petroleum and Natural Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident and conveyed sympathy for the kin of the deceased.
PNN