A boat ferrying around 30 passengers was reportedly washed away due to strong currents in River Mahanadi in Mahakalpada on Saturday. However, the passengers had a close shave and everyone is safe. But, they were reportedly in a state of panic in the middle of the river. The boat was anchored in the middle of the river using a huge anchor.
The bone-chilling incident occurred due to technical glitch in the boat while it was en-route Bahakuda from Paradip.
Swinging into action, boats of the Marine police rushed to the spot and started the rescue operation.
Such was the intensity of the strong water currents that the boat was washed away 4-5 km in the river, informed Mahakalpada BDO Debasish Rout.
Marine police have been pressed into action and the rescue operation is underway to bring back the passengers safely to the shore, the BDO stated.
“A huge challenge lies ahead for the marine police as they have to battle the strong currents in Mahanadi to rescue the passengers as it has already grown dark. Though the boats were deprived from entering the water, they had illegally started the boat service,” sources said.
The matter came to the fore after people called the local police station, BDO and their family members.
“The marine patrolling boat has reached the spot. We are also sending a parallel boat to relocate all the passengers. Till now, there is no matter of worry. The rescue operation will take around an hour,” the BDO informed over phone.
“As soon as we received the news, the administration, local and marine police swung into action. We have also sent the boats. There is nothing to worry. The boat was washed away around 2km. We also have the help from fire personnel,” the BDO said adding that the boat ventured into the water without permission and necessary action will be taken after the rescue operation is concluded smoothly.