Kendrapara: The death toll in the Kendrapara boat capsize incident mounted to 10 Friday after the ODRAF team recovered the body of the missing six-year-old girl. The deceased minor girl has been identified as Subhasmita Swain, of Hasina village of Kujang block in Jagatsinghpur district.
Earlier, Thursday evening, bodies of two women and seven children, who had drowned were recovered and the bodies were later handed over to their family members.
The deceased persons have been identified as Pravati Swain, Anupama Tarai (30), Sonakhi Dalai (3), Pravanjan Tarai (4), Sushree Pallavi Swain (5), Debasmita Pani (6), Debasish Sahu (10), and Dhuna Sahu (10).
Notably, the country boat capsized in Mahanadi River confluence near Nipania village in Kendrapara district Wednesday evening. 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).
Reportedly, the boat was ferrying picnickers hailing from Kujang area in Paradip. The incident occurred at around 7 pm while the group was returning from Hukitola Lighthouse after the picnic.
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.
Locals of Hasinapur village opposed and created ruckus during Minister Prafulla Samal, MP Kulamani Samal and MLA Debasish Samantray’s visit to the area demanding more compensation.
Expressing deep grief, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has 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
