Narrow escape for cricketer Sourav Ganguly’s brother and sister-in-law as speedboat capsizes in Puri

A fun-filled day of water sports at Puri beach turned into a terrifying ordeal when a speedboat carrying tourists, including former Team India captain Sourav Ganguly’s elder brother Snehasish Ganguly and sister-in-law Arpita Ganguly, capsized in deep waters.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening near the stretch of the beach opposite Hotel Sonar Bangla, close to the Lighthouse area.

Reports stated that the tourists were enjoying water-based adventure activities when a large wave hit the boat, causing it to lose balance and flip over in the sea.

Boat Flips in Deep Waters; Tourists Trapped Briefly Underwater

According to eyewitnesses and officials, the speedboat was navigating the deep waters when it overturned, leaving the occupants briefly submerged and trapped. The panic intensified as several tourists, including the Ganguly couple, struggled to regain balance in the water.

Thanks to the timely intervention of private lifeguards deployed at the beach, all four passengers were rescued safely. None of the victims required hospitalisation, though all were reportedly shaken by the incident, said reports.

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Negligence Alleged Against Operator of The Speedboat

Initial reports suggest that the speedboat was operated by untrained or inexperienced staff working under a private adventure company.

Eyewitnesses and survivors have alleged that the crew lacked the proper skills to handle high tides, and the company ignored essential safety protocols mandated for such activities.

Moreover, it is alleged that the adventure company was conducting operations without obtaining prior permission from the Puri district administration.

While local authorities have acknowledged the incident, an official statement or inquiry report is still awaited.