Youth goes missing as boat capsizes in Balimela reservoir in Malkangiri, search operation on

A man went missing after a country boat capsized in the Balimela reservoir near Chitrakonda in Malkangiri district on Saturday morning. 

The incident occurred when a country boat ferrying three individuals from Orapadar to Bayaguda village overturned mid-river. The missing person has been identified as Sanka Palasi, the boatman, who reportedly lost balance and fell into the deep waters of the reservoir.

According to sources, the boat was carrying one man and two women when the mishap took place. The two women were later rescued by villagers from Orapadar after a prolonged effort, but the boatman remains untraceable.

Following the incident, emergency response teams launched a search operation, but as of now, no trace of the missing individual has been found.

The incident has raised renewed concerns over the safety of traditional country boats that continue to serve as the primary mode of transport in several remote villages lacking proper bridges or mechanized ferry services.

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Local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while crossing water bodies and assured that all necessary efforts are being made to locate the missing boatman. Rescue personnel remain hopeful of a breakthrough in the ongoing operation.