Berhampur: The ill-boat which had sunk with 29 passengers on board while on the way to Ghantasila had problems, said B Krishnamohan, chief executive officer (CEO) of Chilika Development Authority (CDA) on Sunday.
Krishnamohan, who visited the spot today, said, “The ill-fated boat which had a maximum capacity to ferry 10-12 passengers, have carried more people on it.”
Meanwhile, Rambha police have seized the ill-fated fishing boat. Earlier yesterday, police had registered a case against the boat owner Dutia Mallick and boatman Hatia Mallick under section 280 and 304 of IPC for ferrying the passengers in a fishing boat.
Notably, four persons including two children died when a boat in which they travelling capsized in Chilika lake on Saturday morning.
The deceased have been identified as Jitu Pradhan (30), Sahil Pradhan (3), Sapna Swain (18 month) and Siba Purohit, he added.
29 members (18 male, 8 female and 3 children) of a family and their relatives and friends of Sabulia village were on the way to Ghantasila inside the lake for a picnic when the boatman lost control of the overloaded boat which capsized.
Hearing the cry, some local fishermen, fishing inside the lake, rushed to the spot and rescued 22 passengers. Out of 22 rescued passengers, 11 were admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur while two others were admitted to government hospitals at Rambha and Khallikote.
Also read: 4 killed in Chilika boat capsize
Expressing profound grief over the death of four passengers in the tragic incident, chief minister Naveen Patnaik has announced ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to each family of the deceased. He also directed the concerned authorities for treatment of all injured passengers and expedite rescue works.
Expressing deep shock over the incident, Governor SC Jamir wished early recovery of all injured passengers.